Edward J. McAllister passed away Friday, June 11, 2010 at his home, surrounded with the love and intimate care of his family. Eddie succumbed to his lengthy battle with cancer. He fought with such optimism and acceptance of God's plan for him.

Eddie was the first born child to the late Austin and Jeanne (Gagan) McAllister. He was born March 24, 1948 in Green Bay. Eddie was baptized at St. Patrick Parish in the presence of his parents and God Parents, Edward Gagan and Genevieve Hayes. His parents and godparents were very instrumental in Eddie's life. Eddie truly honored his father and mother.

On July 27, 1996 Eddie married Nancy Devroy in Suamico, WI. Eddie was the patriarch to his family and helped many of his family and friends during his life. The loves of his life were his wife, Nancy and children, Katie and John. Nancy was the center of his world. Eddie always wants Nancy to remember that she was the most caring, compassionate and loving person in his world. She was his happiness.

Eddie has a very special relationship and bond with Katie. It was filled with much love and laughter. Eddie would always say how proud he was of the caring and responsible young lady that Katie grew to be. He was so very honored to walk her down the aisle of her and Evan's wedding day and to share a special dance. Love and respect was a lived value each day between the two.

Eddie enjoyed coaching for many years, particularly coaching baseball for John. Eddie relished the years of hockey with John as well. He was so proud of John and his ability and commitment to work hard to succeed. Eddie was so proud of the man John grew to be. He always loved every moment he could be with John. Their relationship was more than special.

Eddie loved the kids so very much and would have done anything in the world for them. He wants Katie and John to always remember that we were all blessed to share the gift of family. Eddie always asked the kids to forever take care of each other and mom.

Eddie graduated from Custer High School, Milwaukee, WI. He enlisted in the Marines and was sent to boot camp in San Diego, CA. Boot camp was shortened from 16 weeks to 8 weeks because men were needed to serve in Vietnam. Eddie then went to Basic Infantry Training School for 2 weeks. His Mission of Service was changed due to the shortage of men to serve; therefore Eddie attended another 4 weeks of Basic Infantry Training. From that point, he was transferred to Recon School at Camp Pendleton. After completing Recon training, Eddie was shipped to South Vietnam. Eddie was part of the 3rd Recon Battalion, Alpha Company – 2nd Platoon – 1st squad. Eddie received many citations and medal for his service including, the National Defense Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device; Vietnam Service Medal w/4*; Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation; Navy Unit Citation w/1*; RVN Cross of Gallantry w/palm and Frame; Good Conduct Medal; Navy Achievement Medal w/ Combat "V"; and the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge.

Nancy designed a wall in their home of all of Eddie's accomplishments and memories of Vietnam. He took so much pride in this tribute to him. Eddie served in Vietnam for 13 months. Eddie then attended school in Santiago Chile where he served in Embassy Duty. Over the years, Eddie kept in contact with two fellow comrades, Victor Hernadez and Charlie Swenson. Our family is appreciative of the bond these men had with Eddie. Recently Eddie and Charlie reunited after 41 years. It was a true gift that this special day occurred December 26, 2009.

Eddie retired from the State of Wisconsin (UWGB) in 2009. He enjoyed his job tremendously and loved the students. The students brightened his life each and every day. Throughout the years, Eddie received many letters of thanks and appreciation from students for his help in making a difference in their lives. Eddie enjoyed being with people, so the college was a very fitting atmosphere to work in. Prior to that, Eddie operated and owned the Blarney Stone for many years. He was thankful to his friends and customers for his success.

Eddie was an active Altar Minister at St. Benedict Parish in Suamico. He always felt it was an honor and a privilege to serve at the altar. Eddie was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Father Al Hieptas Council #6764. Eddie served at Town Chairman in Suamico for 2 terms.

Eddie appreciated the summer days working in the yard and enjoying the beauty of the flowers, the birds and their home. Nothing was more meaningful to Eddie than the comfort of his family with him and being at home.

Eddie enjoyed our nieces and nephews tremendously. He had a special relationship with so many of them. He also had a great fondness for many of the kids he coached throughout the years as well as the students from UWGB. Eddie's famous line to all of this nephews, nieces and kids he coached was "How many push-ups did you do today?"

Eddie is survived by his loving wife, Nancy, children, Katie (Evan) Hendrickson and John Devroy; his siblings, Mary (Paul) Shea and their children, Kelly and Erin (Mike) McCann, Kay (James) Lubeck and their children Jennifer, Jerome (Emily) Izabele and Elaina Lubeck and Katie Lubeck, Kevin (Paula) McAllister and their children, Ryan (Arianne) and Griffin McAllister and Meghan (Bob) and Penelope Tiegen, Maureen McAllister and Charlie Platt, their children, Will and Callie Platt, Shawn (Kim) McAllister and their son, Tyler McAllister, Tim (Patty) McAllister and their children, Brendon, Amanda, Colin and Morgan McAllister.

He is further survived by his father-in-law and mother-in-law Vernon and Joan Tilque; sisters-in-law, Pam (James) Bertler and their children Greg, Joe (Kristi) Bertler and Christie (Jeff) and Ella Maroszek, Brenda (Tim) Bloom and their children Tim (Ashley) Lillian and Madison Bloom and Michael Bloom, Julie (John) Voight and children Adam, Eric and Abigail Mommaerts.

Eddie also had several Godchildren that he was very proud of and hoped they would live their faith life each and every day and continue to be wonderful individuals. They are, Molly Vlaisavljevich, Erin Shea McCann, Meghan Tiegen, Amanda McAllister, Abigail Mommaerts, Megan McNulty and Evan Rabideau.

Eddie was preceded in Death by his parents, Austin and Jeanne McAllister and a niece, Molly McAllister

Nancy, Katie and John would like to extend their sincere thanks to Rev. Gary Dantinne and Rev. Gordon Gilsdorf. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Amy James, Dr. Patrick Mansky, Patti Marquardt, Robin Hemstreet, many special nurses and the Bellin Cancer Team, as well as the staff at Bellin Hospital 4th floor, Dr. Steven Gerndt, Kris Seeholzer, Michong Powers, Dr. Edward Bongiorno, Dr. David Bertler and Dr. Daniel Linehan and Unity Hospice. The family also extends a special thanks and much gratitude to Bonnie Fermanich and Mary Lou Coleman at the Brown County Veterans Office. All of you treated Eddie with tremendous care, respect and dignity. We are very grateful for your kindness you have given to Eddie and to our family. Another heart-felt thanks to Eddie's sister Mary (Bee) for her help these past months. She stayed at our home with us and offered much strength and love to help us through Eddie's journey.

We would like to thank our families and our friends that offered Masses and prayed for Eddie as well. Eddie and Nancy felt very honored to have so many wonderful and thoughtful people in their lives. There were numerous acts of kindness from individuals. Our family is extremely appreciative and most humbled by so many loving hearts.

"My heart already feels so empty and it is hard for me to say good-bye – I prayed for grace, comfort and peace to be upon you as it hurt very much to see you suffer. You deserve this Eddie. No more pain from your cancer, no more pain from the war. I know God will be welcoming you to eternal life with Him. I couldn't ask or pray for nothing greater than that for you. You have been my best friend, my companion and always the love of my life Eddie. You were the most wonderful husband and father and certainly an incredible man. I will never forget. I love you so very much and always will. It is time to rest in peace Eddie. My love always and forever, Nancy".

Friends and family are invited to share in the visitation at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 3370 Deerfield West, Suamico from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday. The Eddie McAllister family would like you to celebrate Eddie's life with the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Monday at the church Rev. Gary J. Dantinne officiating. Full military honors will follow. Entombment will be in Fort Howard Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.

Blaney Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To send on-line condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.