Wendell Franklin Nordby Jr.

Wendell Franklin Nordby Jr. went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 20, 2026.

Wendell is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Nancy Nordby; his three sons, Del, Robert and Craig; his brother, Dan Nordby of Texas; his sister, Diane Cross of Sebastopol; his 14 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Wendell was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Sheri, and his brother, Jim Nordby.

Wendell grew up in the Avenues of San Francisco. He met Nancy at the age of 20, and the two married shortly thereafter, beginning a life together filled with family, faith, hard work, and service to others.

Wendell began his career in construction in San Francisco and eventually became a construction superintendent for Cahill Construction. In 1972, Wendell and Nancy built a home in Sebastopol, California, where they moved their family, established deep roots in the community, and raised their three boys.

In 1978, Wendell left Cahill and, together with his partner Al Traversi, founded Traversi and Nordby, which later became Nordby Construction. His years in construction reflected much of who Wendell was—a hardworking man who believed in building things to last.

In 1982, Wendell came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, beginning a lifelong journey of faith that became central to his life. He became deeply involved with Occidental Community Church, faithfully serving the congregation for many years and remaining an elder at the time of his passing.

Wendell’s faith also took him far beyond his local community. Through the Businessmen’s Fellowship International, he traveled to more than 35 countries, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and serving others through charitable work.

His love for Jesus Christ was equally evident in the way he served people close to home. Wendell served with the local Salvation Army, where he and Nancy volunteered in many capacities throughout the years, including operating the disaster canteen during local disasters and providing food and comfort to those in need.

In 2015, Wendell shared the story of his life and faith in the book "Out of the Woodwork: How to Achieve Real Success in Your Job and Life". The book told the story of his travels, ministry, charitable work, and the faith that guided the course of his life.

Outside of his work and ministry, Wendell enjoyed the simple things that brought him happiness: golfing with Nancy and his boys, watching Western films, and reading the works of Louis L’Amour—seemingly every book he ever wrote.

Above all, Wendell was a man devoted to his faith and his family. He built more than homes during his lifetime. He built a family, a legacy of service, a community of friendships, and a life firmly rooted in Christ.

These words can hardly capture the fullness of a life so richly lived or the impact Wendell had on those who knew and loved him. His legacy will live on through Nancy, his family, the community he served, and the countless lives he touched through his faith, generosity, and service to others.

Rest in peace with Jesus, Wendell.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”