Marge McAlister

Marjorie "Marge" McAlister, a devoted matriarch, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025, at the age of 95, in her hometown of Topeka, Kansas. Born on March 3, 1929, Marge was the daughter of Walter Philip Herleman and Frieda Hannah (Schuette) Herleman. She grew up in Topeka but later attended Northeast High School in Kansas City, Missouri, and she graduated in 1946. Marge went on to pursue her education at Washburn University, where she distinguished herself academically, graduating in 1950 with a major in Music and a minor in Education. It was at Washburn where she met her beloved husband, Paul McAlister, whom she married on June 5, 1949, at the First Baptist Church in Topeka.

Marge had a commendable career, dedicating over 20 years to the insurance industry. She began her journey with Allstate Home Office in 1968, working in their new mutual funds department. Over the years, Marge excelled in various roles, including Supervisor, Registered Representative for NASD, and positions within the Investment Department. Her expertise led her to serve as Executive Secretary to the Vice President of the Legal Department and later to the Vice President in the Investment Department. Notably, she was responsible for all Allstate Bank Signatories nationwide until her retirement in 1989.

In addition to her professional achievements, Marge was actively engaged in her community and remained involved in musical pursuits throughout her life. While at Washburn, she sang in the choir and participated in Sigma Alpha Iota and Independent Women, reflecting her love for music and shared experiences with friends. And for many years, Marge actively participated with Paul in many Masonic And Arab Shrine Temple activities and Washburn functions, and they enjoyed numerous cruise and bus trips, and loved traveling.

Marge’s dedication to and love of her family was unwavering; they were her entire world. She is survived by her two sons, Mike (Debra) McAlister and Bruce McAlister, as well as her cherished grandchildren: Jennifer (Hardie) Welch, Robert (Aloyisious) McAlister, Sean (Jessica) McAlister, and Derek (Taylor) McAlister. Additionally, she has a loving circle of great-grandchildren: Christina Welch-Barone (Danica), Michael Welch, Cody Welch; Natalie McAlister, Riley McAlister, Sutton McAlister, Jeff McAlister, and Scout McAlister; and great-great grandchildren, Gabe Barone, Nora Barone, and Theo Barone, and Genevieve Welch, who will carry forward her legacy of love.

Marge will be deeply missed by her family, as well as by all those whose lives she touched with her unending love and kindness. She reunites in eternal peace with her beloved husband Paul, her son David McAlister, her brother Garnet Herleman, and her sister Esther Shaffer, along with her parents.

A funeral service will be held in her honor on January 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Mount Hope Cemetery, Funeral Chapel & Reception Center in Topeka, Kansas. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Marge's remarkable life and the love she brought into the world. Her spirit and legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Arab Shriners - Shriner's Hospital Travel Fund 1305 S Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66612.

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