Wendell Saline, age 93, of Sugar Hill, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Wendell succumbed to various cancers that afflicted his body over the past several years.

Wendell was born March 14, 1930 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Lillian (Lily) and Henry Thoreson. Due to Lily's passing only 39 days after Wendell's birth, she arranged for him to be adopted by her sister Minnie Saline and husband Carl and take the name Thoreson as his middle name. Minnie and Carl already had a daughter, Barbara, who was six years older than Wendell. Barbara married Howard Tromsness, who predeceased Wendell.

Wendell is survived by his wife Irene (Ekwall), married over 71 years, as well as five children; Brian and Kat Saline of Scottsdale, Arizona, Molly and Ken Gallacher of Abingdon, Virginia, Carter and Julie Saline of Omaha, Nebraska, Brook and Carol Saline of Lilburn, Georgia, and Thor and Elizabeth Saline of Wheaton, Illinois. Wendell was blessed to have thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Wendell demonstrated to his children the value of hard work, strong faith, and unwavering love for his wife.

Wendell served honorably in the U.S. Army infantry during the Korean War, earning the rank of Master Sergeant. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1959, with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He completed the Stanford University Executive Leadership Development program which equipped him to excel in various executive positions at nationally recognized insurance companies. His career gave him the opportunity to move with the family from the mid-west to each coast. He retired as Senior Vice-president from the Home Insurance company in 1995. During his professional career and in retirement, Wendell and Irene have lived in fifteen homes.

Wendell was a devoted follower of Christ. Raised in a Christian home, he was active in the Lutheran church as a child. It wasn't until having a family and pursuing his professional career that his faith deepened, and he fully committed his life to Christ. His interest in the Bible grew and his faith became the driving motivation of his life. Wendell was a group leader with Bible Study Fellowship and was a leader in the various churches he attended.

He leaves a legacy for his children and grandchildren of deep faith and prayer that will outlast their lives.