Per Evensen Obituary

Per Ophuus Evensen, age 85,passed away on March 20, 2026, surrounded by family.  He had been a resident of Arvada, Colorado for the past 54 years.

Per was born in Norway on May 7, 1940 to Aiven and Anna Evensen.  At the age of 11, he immigrated to the United States with his family.  He attended elementary and high school in Ogden, Utah, and later pursued his education in Salt Lake City.

In 1967, Per met Barbara Hardy in Ogden, Utah, and they were married in 1969 in Denver, Colorado.  Together, they built a life centered on family and love.  They had two children, Doug Van Zyl and Valerie Van Zyl.

He spent 58 years working in the grocery retail business, demonstrating a strong work ethic and dedication throughout his career.

Per was known for being a kind, loving person who cared deeply for those around him.  He was a devoted grandfather who loved his family wholeheartedly.  He was "Gramdpa" not only to his own grandchildren, but to many of their friends as well. He could often be found riding his bike to Standley Lake High School to meet his grandchildren and riding home alongside them, creating simple but meaningful moments they will always remember.

Per was preceded in death by his parents, Aiven and Anna Evensen, his brother Aiven EversenJr., and his daughter Valerie Van Zyl.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara (Hardy) Evensen; his sisters, Helene Price and Margrethe Paige; his son Doug Van Zyl; his grandchildren, Travis Van Zyl, Lukas (Meghan) Van Zyl, Devon (Natalie) Van Zyl, Weston (Jess) Turnpaugh, and Tara (Christopher) Schmidt; and 10 great-grandchildren.