When they were both in their early 20s, Allen and Evelyn Frandsen were married in the Salt Lake Temple on March 30, 1942. Now at age 102 and 101, respectively, they just celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary and were recognized by the state of Utah as the longest-married living couple.
In their younger years, Allen was the mayor of Centerfield, Utah, and a member of his ward’s bishopric for 16 years. Evelyn served on the city council, and in her ward’s Primary and Relief Society presidency. Their eight children all served Latter-day Saint missions and graduated from Brigham Young University.
Their long lives of service and dedication have given them ample opportunity to set an example for their children, grandchildren, and generations to come.
“They taught us to love and accept everyone no matter what they did or who they were,” their daughter, Rita Gardner, told KSL.com. “Mother taught us to forgive others and continue to treat them kindly. They taught us to work hard and honestly. They taught us to always choose the right and follow Christ's example.”
And what has been the key to their incredible life together? Supporting and loving each other, no matter what.
“Dad said that he tried to make Mother happy, and she tried to make him happy and so they were happy,” Gardner said. “They loved and supported each other in the things they wanted to do and to become. They planned to be married forever, and so they just worked things out and loved each other.”
Read the full story on KSL.com here.
