Per O. Thorsen

Date of Death: December 9, 2020

service

A Memorial Service will be held privately and his final resting place will be in Norway, his homeland. Very fitting for this Viking Gentleman.

Per Ornulf Thorsen of Evanston, IL, passed away peacefully in December 2020. He was preceded in death by his father, Sverre Thorsen, and mother, Edle (Ella) Lordahl Thorsen. He is survived and fiercely loved by his wife of 35 years, Melanie Therese Klimek Thorsen; six children, Kristine Alyce Klaassen (Frans Klaassen} Thorsen, of Toronto, Canada, Lisa Ellen Thorsen, of Rykkinn, Norway, Michelle Eva Thorsen (Morten Kristiansen), of Rykkinn, Norway, Deneen Sonja Thorsen of Evanston, IL, Karin Terese Thorsen of Evanston, IL, and Johannes Christian Thorsen, of Denver, CO, and his 10 grandchildren: Vendela, Andrine and Stian; Edle Sophie, Synniva, Ariane, and Kyrre; Lucas and William; and ‘baby’ Thorsen, ETA January 2021 (Johannes and Evelyn).

Per was born in Stabekk, Norway, and completed business school in Norway and lifelong education in the U.S.A. He journeyed the Atlantic with Olsen and Ugelstad cargo shipping firm which took him to Chicago to play soccer. He eventually joined Scandinavian Design furniture company and became Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of over 100 locations across the U.S.A. After this success he used his entrepreneurial savvy and grew the Midwest Division for Dania Furniture for many years.

Per was an avid athlete and sport fanatic. He played hockey for the Norwegian junior team, bandy for Division 1 team, soccer for Division II, and captained all teams as the born charismatic leader that he was. In Chicago, he played for numerous soccer teams and then moved on to golf, playing at a handicap of 8 at Evanston Golf Club, which he called his sports home. He encouraged his children to be active and familiar with many sports and was a devoted, ever-present fan of their matches. Per and Melanie would frequently take many long walks, something he did until shortly before his passing. He enjoyed being outdoors, as the Norwegian Viking he was, and in his spare time reigned as master of the gardens, finding seasonal flowers and greenery in the morning sun for his beloved Melanie.

A Memorial Service will be held privately and his final resting place will be in Norway, his homeland. Very fitting for this Viking Gentleman.

Funeral info: 847.673.6111.

Per Ornulf Thorsen of Evanston, IL, passed away peacefully in December 2020. He was preceded in death by his father, Sverre Thorsen, and mother, Edle (Ella) Lordahl Thorsen. He is survived and fiercely loved by his wife of 35 years, Melanie Therese Klimek Thorsen; six children, Kristine Alyce Klaassen (Frans Klaassen} Thorsen, of Toronto, Canada,Continue Reading

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Per Thorsen forlot denne verden, men etterlot seg en arv. Hans vennlige, milde sjel gjorde inntrykk på alle han kjente. Han vil aldri bli glemt! Melanie, vi er her for deg og resten av familien på noen måte vi kan.

Jeg elsker deg, Per...som alltid!

My father-in-law was simply the best. I will miss him very very much.

May God watch over and bless the entire Thorsen family. Per was an amazing gentleman which is evidenced in the wonderful family left behind! Our hearts and prayers are with you all

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. You will be tremendously missed by your loved ones. RIP papa❤

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I had the honor of working with Per for 12 years at Dania. He was a great role model and one of the kindest people that I have met in my life. He taught me a lot and I am so fortunate to have known him.

Per was a true gentleman. I had a pleasure working with him. He will be missed.

Per was always a gentleman, a great colleague to work with and a kind soul. I will miss him.

Kondolerer hele familien ! Det er alltid veldig trist å miste sine nære og jeg føler med dere! Håper dere kan ha noen gode juledager selv om dere har mistet ham og ikke får vært sammen alle sammen! hilsen Kristin Damsgaard Grindstad

Even though the ocean lay between us, you were always, and will always be, my dearest Papa. As we are grieving here in Norway, my heart goes out to my sisters and brother and to Papa's beloved Melanie. I wish we could be together at this time, but I know that our love for Papa will always keep us close.

I had the privilege to work for per,he was a very nice person and was there for you when you needed him. He will be missed.

Sorry to hear of Per’s passing.I had the pleasure of working sales for Per in Northbrook. He was a consummate gentleman who had the respect of everyone who worked for him.

Our sincere condoleances with the passing away of your beloved husband, father and grand father. We remember him as very friendly man the few times we have met him We wish you all the strength in these times Ben & Catherine Klaassen

Papa, I already miss you much. You left too soon, still so many ( new ) hearts to touch. Veldig glad i deg. Kristine

Per was a consummate gentleman and great company on the golf course at Evanston Golf Club. He competed doggedly, but we never played without sharing laughs. In my sadness at his passing, I am smiling remembering him doubled over in laughter as I gently teased another friend. I will always remember Per with fondness.

I miss you so much Bestefar. Glad I deg. Klem, Vendela

Lots of love to the whole family. Warm hugs from Norway. Christine

My deepest condolences, he will be missed and i am so glad to have met him❤

In memory of Per O. Thorsen, Hege Skretting lit a candle

My brother was my hero. Even If he lived in the US and I in Norway we had a spesial conection. I loved my brother very much and I miss him deeply ❤️

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Kondolerer🌹

We miss you morning and night!

So sorry to hear. Condolences to the whole family from both of us. Per was good people. May all the good memories bring you comfort in these sad times.

Condolences to the whole family. A great guy with a great family. Proud to call him uncle. I will make a pot of glogg on Christmas Eve this year in his honor. ❤️

Dearest Melanie and family, Please know that our hearts and minds and arms are reaching out to you with love and prayers during this unbelievably difficult time. We will always be by your side through each and every day, as the peace that can only come from God will gently enfold you. Love, Val, Mike, and Ryan

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.