Lawrence G. McAlister, 83, of Mapleview, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, March 31, 2016, surrounded by loved ones at his home.

Lawrence “Mac” was born Nov. 22, 1932, in Austin, Minnesota, the son of Charles and Hazel (Wood) McAlister. He grew up in the Mapleview and Austin area where he met the love of his life, Jeannine Britt. They were married on Dec. 30, 1950, in Fertile, Iowa. Lawrence attended Austin High School and served his country in the National Guard, and then in the Korean War from 1952-1953. He was employed by the Hormel Company for 22 years, retiring in 1971.  Lawrence’s pride and joy was his family. He loved nothing more than spending time with all of them. In his early life he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, stock car racing, and riding horses. He continued throughout his life to sing, play dice, and do anything he could with his family. One of Lawrence’s favorite things to do was to hand out dollar bills to every small child he would see. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Lawrence is survived by his wife of 65 years Jeannine McAlister of Mapleview, Minnesota; his four children, Larry (Pam) McAlister of Austin, Minnesota, Dianna (Brad) Bolinger of Lyle, Minnesota, Ginger Gave of Austin, Minnesota, and Allen (Barb) McAlister of Austin, Minnesota. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and his sister Rosella Nash of Mapleview, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Hazel McAlister; his maternal and paternal grandparents; four brothers; three nieces; one brother-in-law; and two sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, 2016, at the Church of Christ in Austin with the Rev. David DeFor officiating. The McAlister family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post 91 and V.F.W. Post 1216. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.