Wendell Gayle Lillestrand

A man who lived his life with a steady, caring, wise presence, Wendell Gayle Lillestrand left these Shadowlands on January 4, 2025 and entered Heaven’s realm where the Greater Story has no end. He faithfully lived his life as Husband, Dad, and Gramps to every person in his family. He and Coryne, his life partner, were married for 66 years. Their relationship served as a remarkable testimony to so many. Wendell grew up as a North Dakota farmer’s son, oldest of four boys. He met his life partner in high school. They attended the same summer camp, where each of them committed their lives to service in the mission of Jesus. They attended Minot State College together. Soon after they married, and with adventurous spirits moved to Southern California to teach school for a year. Following Wendell’s military service in the Army, he and Coryne set up home in Minot, ND. During those years, they both worked as school teachers, served their community in numerous ways, and welcomed two sons and a treasured daughter into their family. Wendell got his Masters in Counseling from Colorado State College in Greeley, spending the following years as a high school guidance counselor. His very special gift of helping people see who they really are, and how they might flourish in life was evident even then. Attending Campus Crusade’s Explo ‘72 Conference in Dallas changed the course of their lives, and in 1974 joined staff with Campus Crusade for Christ. They moved to Minnesota, serving with Campus Crusade, helping to plant a local church, and significantly making a difference those years in the Twin Cities. 

In 1980 they moved to Riverside California where Wendell helped Campus Crusade launch “People Builders,” where his passion and gift was focused on helping people serve and contribute out of the unique ways God had designed and gifted them. Reflecting on Wendell’s life the day of his home-going, one prominent leader shared, “He was a master at helping people grow and find the points where their very best self could be unleashed to flourish.” This leader went on to say, “Wendell had a profound influence on my life. He led me through the MAP assessment (Motivated Abilities Pattern) and I refer to it several times every year. It’s become a real compass for me in decision-making and life choices.” Another leader who now consults many others shared, “Wendell certainly impacted my life through doing my MAP. He brought clarity, wisdom and direction to my life and leadership when I needed it…his legacy is long.” A leadership couple from Europe wrote, “He was so instrumental, inspiring and life-changing for us! We will greatly miss him. He was such a gentle, wise spirit!” Literally thousands of men and women over these decades of service have been impacted by Wendell’s gentle, wise spirit! 

Over his lifetime Wendell brought his wise presence to school boards, elder boards, and organizational leadership teams. Perhaps most importantly he left a legacy of love with his wife Coryne, his sons, daughters, granddaughters, grandsons, and great-grandson Maverick! After his home-going, Coryne shared, “I would live this life all over again with him!” 

As you have left these Shadowlands for the Greater Story beyond, thank you Wendell, Dad, Gramps for leaving your impact on us and generations to come. 

Memorial Service

February 15th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. EST

Pennington Park Church

13222 126th Street

Fishers, IN 46037

In Memory of Wendell Gayle Lillestrand (1937-2025)

In Lieu of flowers, the Lillestrand family would request that memorial contributions be directed to two Ukrainian families serving as Cru missionaries in their home country. Wendell and Coryne began supporting the Grodz and Pevnev families following the outbreak of the war several years ago. Coryne, whose family has history in the Ukraine, has been especially encouraged by the friendship she has developed with these two families. In light of these sweet relationships, our family would like to invite you to bless these two Ukrainian families if you are led to make a memorial contribution in honor of Wendell.

Click here or go to give.cru.org/0029728 to make a memorial contributions. All donations made through Coryne and Wendell’s Cru giving website will be equally divided and transferred to the Ukrainian Cru accounts for the Grodz and Pevnev families.