On the 28th day of September, in the year 1963, a 21-year-old Registered Nurse from Clear Lake, Iowa said,” I Do” at the Lion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake. That same day a 26-year-old from New Richland, Minnesota said,” I Do” too.
On the 28th day of September 1963, the 21 year old Registered Nurse became the best thing to come out of Iowa on I-35 as she became a resident of his great state, Minnesota. They had an apartment in Rochester, Minnesota with her employee, employed by The Mayo Clinic and him by the Kahler Corporation.
Fast forward 50 years; They lived in 5 different homes; in 3 different cities; members of 3 different Lutheran Churches; she had a number of jobs as an RN; him 3 different employers; they had a summer cabin on Beaver Lake for 37 summers; 2 children, both graduates of Albert Lea High School and College, Deb living in North Carolina and Dan in Vermont.
September 28, 2013 an open house, 50th Anniversary, was held at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church Rural Albert Lea. Cake, flowers, a light lunch, well wishes, memories, te whole 9 yards of a 50th Anniversary.
Fast forward another 5 years to their 55th Anniversary of September 28th, 2018. How to celebrate was their question. They decided to celebrate as they so desired for at least one week. Following were their celebration events: Friday, the 28th, an evening meal with both having shrimp at AppleBee’s in Albert Lea. The employees gave the royal treatment topping it off by singing Happy 55th Anniversary after announcing it to all the patrons. They even brought a hot chocolate dessert with vanilla ice cream, compliments of AppleBee’s. Someone paid for their meal with the understanding the Anniversary couple was to “Play it forward” Saturday morning. September 29, Jack Frost made an appearance with his frosty white paint brush.
Sunday September 30, church at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church followed by the honor guard breakfast at the American Legion in Albert Lea. (Even biscuits and gravy were included) Sunday afternoon a Tribute to music of the 50’s and 60’s at Austin High School presented by Civic Music.
Monday October 1, a volunteer day as Auxilians at the Albert Lea Medical Center.
Tuesday Evening October 2, it was on to the Cotillion Dinner-Dance at the Country Club in Austin, Minnesota. The evening was danced away, even Polka and Waltz dances.
Wednesday October 3, volunteers for central Freeborn Church and Hospital Auxiliary. Thursday October 4th, Doctor appointments for each to be sure they’re ready for more anniversaries. Friday October 5, time for a flu shot provided by the hospital Auxiliary to keep them going!!
Attention Readers: By now you should have figured out who these great celebrants are!! (The writer of this column and his great CEO, Spouse!!)
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.