Van Galen Opheikens

Van Galen Opheikens, 68, beloved partner, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully in his home on August 1, 2023.

Van was born in Ogden, Utah on August 8, 1954, to Joseph and LaDonna Burdess Opheikens. He attended Bonneville High School and married his high School sweetheart, Deborah Johnson before joining the United States Air Force, where he served valiantly until1985. Van enjoyed his time in the Air Force and experienced traveling to and living in a number of exotic destinations including, Idaho, Wyoming, California, Guam and Utah.  Van and Debbie had four children together, Heather, Jared, Trevor and Annie. He was a kind and loving father who enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and carpentry and shared his passions with his beloved children. Van had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh and see his family have a good laugh as well.

Later in life, Van married Wanda Zediker. Van and Wanda shared many happy years together and continued to enjoy the outdoors and extended family get togethers where Van would dote over his children and grandchildren.

After his divorce from Wanda in 2002, Van developed a relationship with Judy Wolfe, who he spent the rest of his life with. Judy was a blessing in Van’s life. She was a constant companion to him and cared for him through the most difficult period of his time here on Earth. Van’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren would like to thank her for the love and compassion she has shared so freely over the years.

Van is preceded in death by both of his parents, Joseph and LaDonna Opheikens. He is survived by his siblings, ValDoris (Doug) Thompson, Susan Carroll, Joe (Kathy)Opheikens, Kristi Peterson, Blair Opheikens; four children, Heather (Brady) George of Preston, ID, Jared (Mindy) Opheikens of Las Vegas, NV, Trevor (Charity) Opheikens of Clinton, UT, and Annie (Nathan) Johnson of Clinton, Utah. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Monday, August 7, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Aarons Mortuary located at 496 24th St., Ogden Utah 84401

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