Josh Liljenquist’s paternal uncle, aunt by marriage, and cousins.
Todd and Melanie Liljenquist’s Family
Todd Liljenquist is Josh Liljenquist’s paternal uncle and the younger brother of Josh’s father, Trent Lee Liljenquist. Todd’s wife, Melanie Liljenquist, is Josh’s aunt by marriage. Their children, Alex, Grace and Caroline Liljenquist, are Josh’s paternal first cousins.
Ordinary weekends that became lifelong memories
Josh remembers weekends with Todd and Melanie as time for arts and crafts, movies, and being spoiled in a loving way. The meaningful part was not spending money. It was the attention and time Todd and Melanie gave Josh and Jacob.
Encouragement that lasts
Todd, Melanie, and their children have written Josh handwritten letters during health difficulties, important achievements, and major life moments. Josh values that they gave their time and their own words instead of simply purchasing a card.
A family lesson
Josh says this family showed him that God and family come before everything else. They treated him like one of their own, encouraged him through difficult moments, and showed him that the things worth holding onto are usually things money cannot buy.
A thoughtful professional life
Todd’s professional background includes law, housing policy, government affairs, and association leadership. His work has also included public service through a Minnesota education board.
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People in this family branch
Josh Liljenquist’s paternal uncle
Todd Liljenquist
Todd is Trent Lee Liljenquist’s younger brother, the son of Lee and Corrine Liljenquist, Melanie’s husband, and the father of Alex, Grace, and Caroline.
Todd’s example
Josh remembers Todd as funny, intelligent, levelheaded, helpful, and guided by Christian faith. His legal background and levelheaded nature have made him someone Josh trusts for calm perspective when he has questions.
Todd attended tournaments when work allowed, sent kind messages, visited Josh in the hospital, and helped Josh and Jacob feel loved. Josh says Todd taught him that God and family matter more than possessions.
Josh Liljenquist’s aunt by marriage
Melanie Liljenquist
Melanie is Todd Liljenquist’s wife and the mother of Alex, Grace, and Caroline.
Melanie’s welcome
Josh remembers Melanie as fun, creative, sentimental, loving, and focused on family time rather than money. She treated Josh and Jacob like her own children, preserved childhood crafts they made, and continues to invite family into Bible study, church, movie nights, and time together.
Josh Liljenquist’s paternal first cousin
Alex Liljenquist
Alex is Todd and Melanie Liljenquist’s child and the sibling of Grace and Caroline.
Alex
Josh admires Alex’s relationship with God and his expressed interest in pastoral ministry. Josh is proud of the role Christian faith has played throughout their family.
Josh Liljenquist’s paternal first cousin
Grace Liljenquist
Grace is Todd and Melanie Liljenquist’s child and the sibling of Alex and Caroline.
Grace
Josh describes Grace as soft-spoken, gentle, sweet, and kind. He continues to view her as a younger cousin he wants to encourage and protect.
Josh Liljenquist’s paternal first cousin
Caroline Liljenquist
Caroline is Todd and Melanie Liljenquist’s child and Alex and Grace’s sibling.
Caroline
Josh has an especially warm bond with Caroline, whom he calls ‘Bean.’ Her cheerful personality and excitement when the family is together can lift anyone’s mood.
Family ties
- Corrine Liljenquist, paternal grandmother
- Lee Liljenquist, Josh Liljenquist's paternal grandfather
- Trent Lee Liljenquist, Josh Liljenquist's father
- The Eckdahl Family, Josh Liljenquist’s paternal aunt, late uncle by marriage, and cousins.
A larger family legacy
Read Legacy of Service for the broader family story and People Who Shaped Josh for this growing collection.