“Our wedding was 52 years ago. The celebration continues to this day.” — Lorna Marquardt
I’ve written this column Positively Shawano for several years. The purpose of the column is to share information about good things that occur in the city of Shawano and surrounding areas. Today, my article is of a personal nature. It is “positive,” and to me at least, it is about a good thing. On Monday, Feb. 1, my hubby and I will be celebrating our 52nd wedding anniversary. It seems quite extraordinary to me that the time has passed so quickly.
I have told you a few stories about my hubby before, and it brings me such joy to have another chance to let my hubby of 52 years know how much he means to me.
It all began during summer vacation when a girlfriend and I spent a week here in Shawano at the home of my grandparents Walter and Martha Robenhagen. (I lived in Marion then). My friend and I went shopping and were walking down Lieg Avenue back to Grandma’s when a car pulled up. Two fellows introduced themselves; we talked for about 30 minutes.
When they drove away, I said to my friend, “The one named Don; I’m going to marry him someday.” I was only 16, and he was 18 at the time. I didn’t even know his last name. I’m not sure how I knew we would marry one day; I just knew! It took him quite awhile to come to that same conclusion, though!
It was two years later when he proposed to me during the stock car races here in Shawano. Perhaps he thought I wouldn’t hear him, but I did. I quickly said yes as the crowd was yelling “yeah Schultz, boo Schultz” in the background! I knew the answer to the question long before he asked it.
On a beautiful sunny winter day, Feb. 1, 1964, we were married at St. John’s in Marion. the Rev. Fred Ohlrogge officiated. We had a reception and dance at a place many of you may remember, Pleshek’s Pavilion.
Ten months later, we were blessed with our firstborn, a baby girl we named Amy. Five years later, we welcomed our son, Daniel, into the world. We have three wonderful grandchildren: Jeff, a special agent with the Department of Criminal Justice; Mason, who plays hockey with the Jr. Gamblers; and Morgan, who swims on the Neenah High swim team. We also have four terrific great-grandchildren.
Living with my partner for more than a half a century has been an incredible journey. Did we experience problems? Absolutely. Our marriage was not perfect. We were young. We grew together and learned from our mistakes. We also learned how to forgive one another. We were often short of money. I remember going through pockets and old purses one hot summer day to see if I could find a dime so he could have a soda at work. There were challenges and disappointments, but love has a way of making things better.
My husband, Don (I call him Donny), once said to me, “I’m sorry I wasn’t more successful in my life.”
My hubby worked at Little Rapids for 45 years. During that time he had perfect work attendance other than when he broke his arm. He never complained about going to work, he enjoyed his job; others said he was a hardworking, dedicated employee. He worked weekends, swing shifts and holidays in addition to being on call.
I told him you don’t need to be an architect, doctor or white-collared professional to be successful. I think success means enjoying what you do and doing the best you can while doing it. I remember him smiling and saying “Well, maybe I was successful then.”
Since threats were made, and continue to be made, he has taken on the role of chauffeur. He doesn’t talk about it; he just picks up the car keys and takes me wherever I need to go. I know he is just “taking care of me” and my heart still melts when he drops me off with a smile, a wink and “See you later, honey.”
My hubby is retired and soon I will be, too. I look forward to having more time to spend with him and my family and friends. God has truly blessed our marriage and our lives.
An Ode to My Husband
I know that you love me
And I love you too
And nothing in life
Could be any more true.
Today is quite special
It marks our 52nd year
Being together this long
Is a gift; that is clear!
If I had it to do over
Rest assured it is true,
I’d still want to be “happily ever after”
With you.
Life is “Positively Good” here in Shawano!
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