Josh Liljenquist’s Paternal Grandmother

Corrine Liljenquist

Corrine Liljenquist is Josh Liljenquist’s paternal grandmother and the wife of his grandfather Lee Liljenquist. Josh credits Corrine with strengthening his Christian faith, caring for him through childhood illness, and teaching him that love is often measured through time, humor, and everyday actions.

Faith, humor, time, and everyday care.

Corrine Liljenquist with her husband, Lee Liljenquist, together with flowers.
Corrine Liljenquist with her husband, Lee Liljenquist, together with flowers.

Time, humor, and handmade care

Corrine babysat Josh when he was young and made arts and crafts part of their time together. She also knits handmade Christmas gifts. Josh says those gifts matter because time is a resource money cannot buy.

Josh describes Corrine as having a dry, often unintentional sense of humor that can make the family laugh. Watching Corrine and Lee enjoy one another taught him that friendship and playfulness can strengthen a marriage.

Lee and Corrine Liljenquist sharing an affectionate moment outside.
Lee and Corrine Liljenquist sharing an affectionate moment outside.
Corrine Liljenquist with her sons Trent and Todd Liljenquist joking together during a family gathering.
Corrine Liljenquist with her sons Trent and Todd Liljenquist joking together during a family gathering.

Care and faith

When Josh became very sick while his parents were away, he remembers Corrine staying beside him, loving him, and making him feel protected.

Christian faith was central to Corrine’s life. Josh remembers Sunday church attendance when he stayed with her. As an adult, he sees those experiences as seeds that helped shape his own faith and understanding of compassion with discernment.

A shared life in Fairmont

Lee and Corrine built their life together around family, friendship, and the Fairmont community. After time in the Twin Cities, they made a home in Fairmont, where Lee’s barbershop became a familiar part of local life.

Family photographs

A young Josh Liljenquist in his Fairmont basketball uniform with his grandparents Lee and Corrine Liljenquist.
A young Josh Liljenquist in his Fairmont basketball uniform with his grandparents Lee and Corrine Liljenquist.
Lee and Corrine Liljenquist surrounded by family members during a Christmas gathering.
Lee and Corrine Liljenquist surrounded by family members during a Christmas gathering.
Josh Liljenquist with his grandparents Lee and Corrine after a 2016 state track and field event.
Josh Liljenquist with his grandparents Lee and Corrine after a 2016 state track and field event.

More about this story

Family ties

A larger family legacy

Read Legacy of Service for the broader family story and People Who Shaped Josh for this growing collection.