In Bartlett, Illinois, a remarkable group of eight couples residing at a local senior living center have collectively enjoyed 471 years of marriage.
This impressive tally averages over five decades of wedded bliss for each couple. On a recent Thursday, these couples chose to celebrate by renewing their vows.
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Among them, Agnes and Chuck Fruehe stood out, walking down the aisle with Agnes holding a bouquet in one hand and a cane in the other. Their journey began on February 12, 1955, marking 71 years of marriage. Together, they have raised five children, and their family has expanded to include 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
“Everything seems to be going well. It’s been a good marriage,” the Fruehes shared.
Another couple, Sharon and Don Miller, have been married for 56 years. Interestingly, their paths initially crossed as newborns in the nursery of St. Anne’s hospital, born just days apart.
Today, they reside at Hearthwood Senior Living Community in Bartlett, joining their fellow residents in this heartwarming vow renewal ceremony.
“Kinda like saying, ‘yeah, we’d do it again.’ I wanna lock her up for the duration,” Don Miller said.
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Family, friends and neighbors from the Hearthwood community came to witness the vows. Of course, they were sealed with a kiss.
“To celebrate life with a renewal of vows is just an extension of what they do each and every day,” Eric Gross said.
Joyce and Les Zemba may have the most unlikely marriage there.
She left the convent and her life as a Catholic nun to marry.
It’s all detailed in her book, “A Life Like Nun Other.” But it was not love at first sight.
“I was not crazy about him at all because he drank too much, and he was a little heavy-set,” Joyce Zemba said.
Les Zemba quit drinking, lost weight and they have now been married 54 years.
Agnes Fruehe spoke for all the couples.
“Your faith helps, and wonderful family,” she said.
Some advice the couples gave Thursday, included “don’t sweat the small stuff” and “marriage is not a part-time job.”
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