Wells Joseph Wright, Jr.

A soul found its worth.

God's love found him. And he felt his worth in God.

He loved bringing joy to people, never missing the chance for a laugh. Welcomed people to the Kingdom. Shared his home with those who needed one. Discovered renewal in wilderness, introducing others to its beauty.

memorial service

Private Memorial Service

March 20, 2021

A videotaped ceremony will be shared online in the near future. Be sure to hit the "Follow" link at the top of page to receive updates.

life story

Wells' story

Born to Wells Sr. and Marion (Mickey) Wright, Wells was one of three children; his sister Debbie and brother Greg coming after him. The family lived on Fremont Avenue near Lake Harriet in Minneapolis.

"Butch", as he was nicknamed, was jovial and fun-loving from the start. And at times, quite mischievous. Stories have survived from his teens of sneaking out his second-story bedroom via tree branches; mercilessly taunting his poor sister and being the life of the party.

In his twenties, Wells had the privilege of traveling to Europe and also enlisted briefly in the Army. While enriched by these experiences, he struggled to find a direction for his life. Early forays into career opportunities were marked by uncertainty and deep anxiety.

It was during this time that Wells found a personal faith in Jesus through a campus ministry. His struggles with past disappointments and self-worth were met by an unconditional love and acceptance… and this changed him.

"Christ in you; the *hope* of glory" was a phrase he would often share with people… But it also became an over-arching theme in his own life: Belief in a God who would always value him, was a ray of light to Wells' heart during times of struggle.

In 1969, Wells met Sandra Lee Larson on a not-quite blind date (he'd spotted her new face at church). Both were smitten on that first night out. Within weeks they were engaged, marrying in June of that year. They honeymooned in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (where Wells had first visited as a teen) wearing buckskin outfits Sandy'd hand-stitched for their travels.

Two sons soon followed; Wells Joshua in November 1970 and Andrew Timothy in August of '72.

The family put down roots on Browndale Avenue in St. Louis Park, MN. Throughout summer, the yard was fragrant with lilac and with peonie bushes in Sandy's terraced gardens. In winter, those terraces supported Wells' "bobsled run", which many friends and family white-knuckled with screams, all the way down to the front curb.

Recalling how large estates in England often had their own names, Dad posted a sign out front: "Welcome to Wellsprings".

It got its share of quizzical looks and lighthearted jabs… But the sign was more than eccentric ornamentation, because more than simply a family's home, the Wright residence truly became a place of Welcome.

Over the years, Wells' and Sandy's bigheartedness saw them hosting many global travelers, long-term guests and wonderful people starting out (or starting over). One such couple eventually bought a place up the street; their sons later becoming good pals pals with the boys. Neighborhood kids knew they would find a stable, caring refuge when hanging out at Josh 'n' Andy's house.

Despite jobs in the corporate sphere, Wells' passion was ministry. He became ordained and was active in many churches as a lay teacher, eventually even moving with the family to Chester, VT, where he pastored a small church from '86-'88. Returning afterwards to the Twin Cities, Wells continued to participate in spiritual teaching wherever the family attended.

As the boys grew up and became more independent, Wells had more time to dive into another interest: Scottish heritage. He explored his own lineage but also the history and traditional garb of various clans. Sometimes Wells would don his kilt and regimental gear to family gatherings and would eventually rename ‘Casual Friday’ as Kilt Friday. Happily, he traveled to Scotland for a few weeks in 1999 with Sandy and Josh.

In January of 2003, tragically Sandy passed away only 3 months after diagnosis of an aggressive brain cancer. The tragic loss of his wife was quite de-stabilizing to Wells. But occasionally he would journey on road trips with son Josh and attended gatherings with relatives during the Holiday Seasons.

Unknown to himself and those around him, Wells suffered several undetectable minor strokes. Affected by these incidents, he was unable to continue in the last job that he held into his seventies. Wells retired and eventually moved into Concordia Arms senior apartments in Maplewood, MN.

In this next chapter of Wells’ life he made his home at ‘The Arms’ where he met new friends, helped to organize different events within his apartment community and received weekly visits from family. During this time, signs of memory loss due to strokes and the onset of Parkinson's Disease, became apparent.

As his independence and mobility waned, Wells spent his last few years in several care facilities, landing at Good Samaritan's in Waconia. This was mere weeks before the Coronavirus spread in 2020.

It was providential that the chaplain there, happened to be a pastor Wells had known years before. Helmar Heckel was a reassuring friend during Wells' last year, especially in light of the many restrictions and limitations the pandemic had levied.

In early 2021 Wells was hospitalized due to an infection he was not able to ward off. After a lonely year separated from his sons, he was able to be with Josh and Andy for a full week before peacefully departing on February 27.

Wells now lives with his wife Sandy, in God's Country.

Career

Wells held a wide range of jobs in "the working world"; from ad agency work; to producing a radio talk show. For a season, he even hand-stripped logs in a lumber yard to supplement his income.

While he never seemed to find one true career to hang his hat on, Wells' charisma and genuine love for people saw him make many, many lifelong friends and garner invaluable experiences.

Ministry

Wells simply wanted to be utilized; he yearned to do good things for God, ministering most often over the years with his dear friend, Pastor John Bohlen.

An ordained lay pastor, Wells helped lead churches… But didn't miss the chance to mentor or pray with a troubled soul. He was fascinated with prophecy… But happily made time for anyone who needed guidance in the here & now.

Of his legacy, perhaps most appreciated is this: He & Sandy faithfully raised their sons to embrace Jesus' love, forgiveness and call to "Follow me."