He was born March 11, 1908 in Pleasant Grove, to Charles and Nellie (Brown) McAlister.
On March 10,1931 he married Anna Josephine Smothers in Austin.
Bill retired from the Hormel Company after 40 years of service. He was a member of the Eagles and American Legion. He enjoyed fishing, dancing, hunting, camping, golfing, and bowling. He also loved music.
Survivors include sons Robert (Shirley) McAlister, Grand Marais; Lynn (Linda) McAlister, St. Louis, MO; 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; brother Guy (Mary) McAlister, Austin.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jo; son Herb; and granddaughter Kim.
Visitation: 4-8 p.m. Friday March 26, 2004 at the funeral home and Saturday at the church one hour before the service.
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at the Church of Christ with Paul McAlister officiating.
Interment: Grandview Cemetery, Austin, Minn.
Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home, Austin [Austin Daily Herald- March 25, 2004]