Wendell William Yowelunh McLester, 94, Oneida, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, December 1, 2024, with his family at his side. He was born on October 24, 1930, son of the late Lee Gordon I and Blanche (King) McLester. Wendell was united in marriage to Thelma Marie Kahalunkwa (Cornelius) McLester on October 3, 1956, and they enjoyed 68 years of marriage together.

Wendell worked tirelessly for the Oneida Nation in various capacities and elected positions including on the Business Committee, as Tribal Treasurer, and served on many boards, committees, and commissions in addition to his business endeavors. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy, Naval Reserves, and Marine Corps from 1948 through 1953 during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged. Wendell was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Robert Cornelius Post #7784.

Wendell enjoyed traveling extensively, and his favorite destination was the golf course. He traveled nationally and internationally with family and for various business occasions. Wendell was an avid singer, performing at numerous special events in Oneida and nationally as well as continuing the tradition of singing the Oneida Te Deum since 1975 at Holy Apostles Episcopal Church until 2019 at the age 89. He thoroughly enjoyed being a lifelong member of the Holy Apostles Church in Oneida and was a dedicated Oneida Hymnal Singer. He always looked forward to eating and visiting at family dinners, church meetings, and veteran events.

Wendell is survived by his wife, Thelma, daughter Joan (David Davis) McLester, granddaughter Dr. Lauren Wendelle Yowelunh (W. Cannon Matthews) McLester-Davis, and many nephews, nieces, and extended family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Wayne Steven Dekanohdus McLester, siblings Lee G. McLester II, Clarence McLester, Mary Edna (McLester) Greendeer, Winifred (McLester) Masterson, Winona (McLester) McIntyre, and many other relatives whose presence he will cherish in heaven.

Visitation will be held at 9:30 am on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Holy Apostles Episcopal Church (2937 Freedom Rd, Oneida, WI 54155). Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 am at Holy Apostles Episcopal Church. All are welcome to celebrate Wendell's life at a luncheon at 1pm following the service at the Oneida Casino Hotel, Grand Council Ballroom (2020 Airport Dr, Green Bay, WI 54313).

Interment with full military honors will be conducted at 10 am on Monday, December 9, 2024, at the Holy Apostles Episcopal Church cemetery on the Oneida reservation.

Condolences may be expressed to Wendell's family at www.ryanfh.com. All flowers for the funeral are coordinated through Ryan Funeral Home, please contact them if you would like to send flowers for Wendell's name. Memorial donations in Wendell's name to the Brain Support Network at https://brainsupportnetwork.org/donate/.