Wendell Darrell Conover
Wendell Darrell Conover age 80 of Lincoln, NE went home to be with Jesus on September 1, 2020 while at home after a long battle with Parkinson’s.
Wendell was born as he put it, “at a very early age”, August 23, 1940 to Wendell and Marian Conover at home in Ida County, IA.
He attended high school in Holstein, IA where he participated in football, basketball, track and 4-H.
Wendell earned his BS Degree in Social Studies and Physical Education at Morningside College in Sioux City, IA where he met and married his wife of 58 years, Marie Burdette. He taught and coached a couple of years in Missouri Valley, IA and then Blairsburg, IA. Wendell received his Master’s Degree in History from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.
He taught History, Drivers Education and coached in Sargent, NE for 10 years before becoming the first State Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in I 978 where he served passionately for 26 years. He leaves behind a multitude of friends that he made along the way.
Wendell enjoyed spending time with his family, supporting his children and grandchildren in their goals and endeavors, hunting, fishing, and oh yah, don’t forget homemade ice cream and pie!
Wendell is survived by his wife Marie (Burdette) Conover, son Tim and Linda (Olsen) Conover, daughter Wendy Pete and grandchildren Brianne Conover, Ben Adams, Chris Adams, and Brandon Pete.
Brothers and sisters include Dorothy Johnston, Kay and Bill Major, Marion and Bonnie Conover, Kathy and Denny Grell and numerous nieces and nephews. Wendell is preceded in death by his parents Wendell and Marian Conover, sister Shirley Rickard and brother-in-law Johnny Johnston.
Funeral Service will be held Saturday September 12, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Faith Bible Church; 6201 S 84th St, Lincoln, NE 68516.
Memorials to Faith Bible Church and Nebraska Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
To leave a condolence please use the form below.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
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Condolences for Wendell Darrell Conover
Marie,
Know that I am sending hugs and prayers. How I am rejoicing that Wendell is dancing on the streets of gold with Jesus now … fully restored! Thank you for your testimony to me through the ministry of FCA over so many years. You and Wendell are forever special to me and I will always cherish our times together. One thing I will always remember about Wendell is how he consistently sent cards for birthdays and anniversaries … he was an encourager! We traveled a lot together speaking at FCA events across Nebraska. I am thankful for how he challenged me to know Jesus deeper. And all of the Weekend of Champions events!! So many wonderful memories that I am so very thankful for! Know that I love you both very much!
Asking the God of all comfort to be near!
Much love,
Kim Seizys
Marie,
Thinking that what was ‘once faith, is now sight’ for Wendell as he is experiencing firsthand that which he faithfully shared with so many over the years. I am
saddened for your earthly loss, but I am rejoicing that he is home with his Lord and Savior and you will see him again. My involvement with FCA is because of
the efforts of Wendell and you. You and your family are in my prayers.
Mike Thompson
It saddens my heart to hear Wendell has left us for awhile!! Wendell did so much for me and my family during a hard time in our lives! I was very fortunate to know him and work with him at several FCA Basketball Camps. He was a man that really cared about others more than himself and loved sharing the saving grace of our great Lord and Savior!! I will really miss all the personal notes that he sent to me and the visits he made to cheer me up!! It will be great to see him again in our heavenly home! Thank you Jesus for bringing this man into my life and making it possible for us to be together again someday!! I already miss you brother!! May God grant your family peace and comfort during this difficult time!
Dave Jensen
I am saddened to hear of the passing of a man that I learned to love and respect for so many years. Seeing how FCA has grown over the years is a direct result of Wendall’s leadership and passion for sharing the Gospel. Wendall’s great desire to let students hear the Gospel made for many opportunities in Ogallala to have Christian Athletes from University of Nebraska come to the small town and share their passion for Jesus. I also am amazed at how effective the Weekend of Champions were every year under Wendall’s direction. There will be many people lining up in heaven to shake Wendall’s hand because they were saved at a Weekend of Champions. God speed my brother. Prayers to your family.
I had the joy of getting to know Wendell when he was first getting involved with FCA. He was a strong Christian example to everyone he came into contact with. He had a strong impact on lives and will be missed by many.
My memories go back to the early 90’s. Wendell came out to the Panhandle to bolster the Huddles in this area. He hit a home run! Huddles grew, young athletes were being saved, renewed commitments and leaders were growing in their faith. Wendell’s commitment to FCA was a huge blessing here in Panhandle. Eventually he will meet the many who were saved by him. I’m reminded by the song Ray Boltz sings “Thank You”. His Memory will forever will be special to me. He was instrumental in all three of my children’s commitment and growth!!
See you a little later Wendell!
Dear Marie, Grieving with and and celebrating Wendell’s life and legacy. You and Wendell were catalysts and encouragers for my faith and my early growth as a Christian leader through my involvement with FCA. Wow, 38 years later my faith continues to grow and I am thankful for the community and foundation I had through Wendell and the FCA network. I do lots of leadership training, and look back to Wendell’s encouragement and sponsorship in giving me opportunities to speak and to lead as being significant in my development (and trajectory). He continued to encourage me as a pastor and missionary over the years, sending thoughtful notes and greetings through my dad. Love and prayer from SoCal, Kim Stevens Zovak
Dear Marie and Family,
Our hearts go out to you in the passing of Wendell. I know he will be missed dearly by you all and the many people he touched in your ministry.
Although I touched base with Wendell when he was in Norfolk, my favority memories are the cruises we went on. I know God used those times as encouragement for all who went.
God bless you all,
Dave and Cindy Busskohl
Ps. 147:3 He heals the broken hearted
Wendell started me on my FCA journey. He was a wonderful man.
Marie – sending my condolences to you as I remember with GREAT fondness my times with you and Wendell during the years we did ministry together through FCA. Wendell blessed so many people over the years; no doubt he’s now wearing many ‘crowns’ in glory for his faithful service. Perhaps now he will have time to organize that ‘clergy golf outing’ we talked about so many times! 😊 Much love to you, Tim & Wendy!!!
Dear Marie,
So glad we got to talk the other day as we walk this road together….praise God Wendell is Home with our heavenly Father…and you have cared for him so incredibly well…Wendell and you have made such an impact on so many lives including ours and we are so grateful…May God provide all you need each day as you lean into Him…My Love and hugs, dear friend….
Jan Stuckey
Prayers going up for your family. So many good memories
Marie:
My deepest sympathy to you at Wendell’s passing. He was one of my great heroes of the faith, ALWAYS ready for a
loving gesture, a witty yet meaningful response, and a GREAT witness. I will share my situation at a later time, but
please accept Marj’s and my condolences. May God give you rest and understanding.
In HIS GREAT and GRACIOUS LOVE,
CH and Marj Hagstrom
Marie,
I met Wendell and you when I was at the University of Nebraska and you guys had just started with FCA. I want you to know he was instrumental in my early years of growth as a new believer! I am just one of thousands of people his life touched. Thank you for the example you guys set! May God give you His strength and peace during this difficult time.
George Andrews
Dear Marie and family,
Wendell was truly a humble servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. His dedication to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes will never be forgotten by the Williams family.
Through FCA both of our youngest children, Ben and Kaiti learned to trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior. For that, we are eternally grateful to Wendell and
his leadership. In addition, Wendell became a dear friend, one Mary Ann and I always enjoyed talking with and exchanging letters as well. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers in this grieving time. May the God of all comfort be so real to you now!
Bob and Mary Ann Williams
Marie,
I was sad to hear the news of Wendell’s passing, but oh what a celebration he must be having! From Camp Doane Mark stuffing parties, to Weekends of Champions, and FCA Olympics the memories are rampant. I will be forever grateful for his wisdom and encouragement during my Doane years and beyond as I still use the devotional he gave me as a graduation gift- My Utmost For His Highest. His laughter, love of Johnny Cash, and most of all his love for kids and the Lord will forever be in my memories.
Rhonda Repshire-Camp Doane
I was very saddened to read of Wendell’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Praying for you Marie. So thankful for both you and Wendell. It is truly amazing to see what God has done through FCA because of how he used you all. My life is one that has been impacted significantly and it is such a privilege to carry on the legacy along with the rest of the Nebraska FCA team that you all started. Even when I was in Scottsbluff I would have people ask about you both all the time. You guys have made such an impact. Praying you feel loved and cared for right now. So thankful for Wendell and his life.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Wendell was a man with graceful leadership. Meeting him as a young athlete at the University of Nebraska, he was full of wisdom. I will always remember his passion for Christ and discipleship.
God Bless!
Megan Korver Demma
As the wife of a coach in Nebraska in various schools, Wendell and Marie were our constant encouragers. They managed FCA Nebraska from Milford and continually supported coaches and families across Nebraska in not only our FCA huddles and camps, but also in our personal struggles. Wendell visited the hospital many times checking up on coaches and their families. His cards celebrated our victories with us and lamented our losses. After Doyle passed away in 2015, Wendell sent the most encouraging card I could have imagined. He had a gift. My heart grieves the loss of Wendell on this earth, but I know he is celebrating in Glory. “Wendell and Marie” was a phrase we all stated over and over. My love and prayers for you, Marie as you adjust to having your loved one in Glory. You’ve been a faithful wife and a support in so many ways. Prayers will continue and I hope to see you soon.
Marie, our thoughts and prayers are with you. With our love. -Lamont Epp
Marie, I am so sad to hear of Wendell’s passing, but excited for him to be with Jesus. You and Wendell were such a large part of my college years at Doane with so many wonderful memories. Mark stuffing parties with wonderful food, Weekend of Champions, the college weekend, and so many more wonderful times. Thank you for all the lives you invested in and truly loved. You both are so special and loved by so many. Prayers for peace and comfort during this time.
Tara Burks
I’ll always remember Wendell as one of the most rock solid Christian men I’ve had the honor of knowing. I always admired how he spoke with the Lord like he was talking to a friend and took time to write in a card any time anyone needed a note of encouragement. A true role model to me.
Marie, Thank you for sharing Wendell with us for so many years! I always had great respect and admiration for both you and Wendell. I will always remember the trip he made to Malcolm to get FCA started back in 1992. So many great memories! May God comfort you and your family during this time. Steve Bartek
Dear Marie,
Having lost my dad at an early age, God in His faithfulness and always perfect timing brought the right men into my life over the years. Wendell was one of those men, and I personally want to thank you for sharing him with me and so many others.
It was the consistent exhortation from Wendell that helped steer my walk with God early on in my Christian life…Encouraging me to play basketball at Doane because they had “one of the best college FCA groups!”…Urging me to press on when I considered quitting…Pushing me to stay in the Word…Positive words of encouragement at Weekend of Champions…Inspiring me to attend National Conferences…Connecting our college group with high schools groups to encourage and equip… and helping Robyne and me start the huddle at Hastings Adams Central.
Few people impact as many lives as you and Wendell have. May knowing that countless lives have been – and continue to be – redeemed and changed because of your and Wendell’s ministry bring you and your family great comfort right now. Please know we are praying for peace for you, and we are rejoicing as Wendell sits at our Savior’s feet.
Always In His Grip,
Jim and Robyne Huebner
Sad to hear of Wendell’s passing. I was part of the FCA staff from 1999-2003 and quickly saw how almost everything that was done was building on a foundation that Wendell and Marie had helped stablish. That continues to this day and the word for that is legacy. May we all leave such a mark.
I remember you Marie and Wendell coming to Mira Valley United Methodist church for a weekend of revival services. Prayers to your family during this difficult time
A very thought provoking teacher in school and also driver’s ed! Sargent was lucky to have your family in our little town and church. Be so proud of his impact throughout the whole state with FCA and the many, many lives he impacted! RIP.
Marie, Tim and Wendy:
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Thankful to God for the impact Wendell had on our Lives!
Marie & family,
When Dad told me of Wendell’s passing, I have had an ache in my heart for almost 2 weeks now. Wendell will be deeply missed by many on this earth, but knowing how he has impacted lives like our family’s and mine, is a blessing and comfort.
Having Wendell & Marie Conover as “one of my extra set of parents” has always been an encouragement to me in life, in FCA, and example of care for other’s faith in Christ.
Marie, comfort to you as you press on without Wendell, but knowing his faith has taken him Home to live with his Saviour.
Neal Arnold.
In the mid 1990’s, I was an assistant huddle coach for a newly formed FCA chapter in Silver Creek, NE. I first met Wendell Conover at Jr. High gathering. Although I was truly a “nobody”, he learned my name. Whenever I’d see him after that at a WOC or Jr. High event, he’d call me by name. What an encouragement to be remembered and made to feel part of the FCA ministry!!