Wendell F. Holmstrom Obituary (2024)

Wendell Frank Holmstrom, aged 99 1/2, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2024, in Ellensburg, Washington. Born on May 14, 1925, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Wendell's journey was marked by faith, dedication, sacrifice, and love for music and family. Wendell was the youngest of five brothers and sisters-but only by five minutes. His twin brother Wayne arrived just minutes before and their childhood together was inseparable. After graduating from Colorado Springs High School, Wendell joined the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served in the Pacific theatre aboard the USS Langley aircraft carrier, until the war's end. Post-war, Wendell pursued higher education first at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas (where he met his future wife Zenith), and later at the University of Denver, where he earned a degree in music, setting the stage for his future endeavors. Wendell and Zenith married in 1949. He began his teaching career in Meeker, Colorado, but in 1955 he was beckoned west due to a federal project known as the Columbia Basin Irrigation project. The promise of new jobs, low interest housing loan (and a brother in Wenatchee) was sufficient to entice him to relocate to Othello, Washington. Wendell taught music and his wife Zenith raised the family. When Zenith passed away suddenly in 1962, Wendell set about raising six kids on his own. His passion for music saw him play in several swing and dance bands including Dick Jurgen's and His Orchestra, and The Many Sounds of Nine for two decades, bringing joy and entertainment too many. Within the local school districts, Wendell dedicated 30 years to educating young minds as a music instructor; primarily as a band director. However, in the early 70's, he recognized the need for a school strings program and enlisted the help from many of the CWU music professors creating the orchestra program which exists today. During this period Wendell was married briefly to Barbara Brummett, however they remained companions for many years. After retiring from teaching Wendell plunged head long into carpentry with his good friend, Arch Andreotti. The two of them could be found throughout the valley with hammers in hand enjoying each other's company, and whatever project they were working on at the time. His hobbies included hunting and fishing as well. These activities connected him with his brother, Claire and provided many cherished memories. Wendell was also very close to his identical twin brother Wayne from Kansas. They spent many wonderful summers at the family cabin in Quinlan Gulch, Colorado. A devout Christian, Wendell regularly attended the Lutheran Church. And of course, served many years as the church choir director, where he instilled the strong faith and family values in his children. Wendell was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Zenith Irene Holmstrom, three brothers, two sisters, and five in-laws. He leaves behind a legacy through his children, Chris Matthews (Jerry), Rick (Gretchen), Paul, Martha Legier (Bob), Matt (Sherringa), and Sonja Mitchell (Ron), along with 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss him dearly. The family wishes to thank all the staff members at Prestige Hearthstone for the love and care extended to Wendell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to KVH Hospice, or the Ellensburg Strings Program (wa-ellensburg-lite.intouchreceipting.com) A memorial service will be on May 17th, 2025, at 11:00 AM, marking what would have been his 100th birthday week. It is to be held at the First Lutheran church in Ellensburg, Washington where Wendell's life will be honored and remembered.