Jack G. McAllister

of Buffalo, MN
December 13, 1926 – April 19, 2024
Visitation
Sunday, April 28, 2024
one hour prior to the service
The Peterson Chapel – Buffalo, MN
Memorial Service
Sunday, April 28, 2024
1:00 p.m.
The Peterson Chapel – Buffalo, MN
Luncheon immediately following the service at the chapel
Interment
Our Savior's Lutheran Cemetery – French Lake, MN
Jack Gerald McAllister, age 97 of Buffalo, MN, passed away on April 19, 2024.
Jack was born to Earl & Emily (Bukkila) McAllister on December 13th, 1926. He grew up in Crystal, MN.
He was a graduate of Robbinsdale High School and The Dunwoody Institute.
He proudly served his country as a Navy Veteran during World War Two.
Jack was truly a jack of all trades. He worked for Coast to Coast Hardware in Robbinsdale for many years. He was a toy designer for Sifo Toys as well as for Centuri Rocket Company. He designed cereal box premiums for General Mills. Jack worked as an engraver at Jostens and was employed by North States Industries as a designer and machinist. He also worked at Priemier Plastics as a designer and mold fabricator and was a machinist at NW Swissmatics.
Jack was the proud creator of the games of BUNKERBALL and Racehorse Checkers. He also made a seed a starter kit which he named Roly Rooter. He made beautiful "Lucky Birds" out of wood and porcelain which he sold at the community market.
He was deeply involved in his community. He was an active member of the Robbinsdale, Crosby and Wright County Historical Societies. As a naturalist, he shared his expertise on ancient Native American portage trails which traverse throughout Cuyuna country. Jack was instrumental in clearing the pathway for a scenic mountain bike and hiking trail located in Ironton, MN and was featured in a documentary on PBS.
Jack had a vibrant personality and zest for life. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and unwavering dedication to his passions.
He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He is survived by his former wife, Myrtle Loch; daughters, Christine (Richard) Otis of Coon Rapids, MN, Gail McAllister of Minneapolis, MN and Lelanie (Dennis Demessianos) Kratochwill of Rhode Island: grandchildren; Sabrina Hasser, Nicholas (Chas) Sarff, Talon and Jennah Kratochwill; great grandchildren Persephone, Gryphon and Andrew; Stepdaughter, Richelle (Ray) Kern; Stepson Steven (Laura) Firtko; Step grandchildren, T.J. and Tyler; sisters, Marion Wilde, Shirley Clark and Ruth Carson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; former wife, Mary Lil McAllister; infant daughter, Rose Lynn; brothers, Paul, Earl, and Roland as well as his sister, Joanne Bexell.