Gehrkes observe wedding anniversary

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

WINTHROP -- He was her knight in shining armor, charging up on a white horse to rescue her from a life of living on her own in Winthrop by offering to marry this fair damsel. He was 19, and she a tender 17.

That was 70 years ago, and Raymond and Myrtle Gehrke were guests of honor at a celebration of their 70th wedding anniversary in the dining room at Winthrop Good Samaritan Center Sunday afternoon.

"Yes, it really happened that way, and we've been together ever since," said Myrtle Gehrke, 87, who was nominated by her husband, 89, as spokesperson for the couple by pointing a finger at her when asked who would be answering questions.

If there is a secret to their longevity as a married couple, Myrtle believes it is that throughout their married life, they've done everything together.

"We've worked together, we've driven together and we've played together," she explained.

Until now, that is.

Her husband's future is to continue living at the center because his left leg had to amputated nine months ago as a result of an internal infection stemming from a bone fracture a year ago.

Myrtle has had her own health problems. A bout with blood clots found her joining her husband at the center as she convalesced. Now, she is healthy enough to be on her own. Right after the celebration she moved back into an apartment across the street from the center.

"I want to try it," Myrtle said, exhibiting that same independence that kept her going as a teenager, "but we'll see how it goes. I might be moving back into the center."

Raymond, of course, will be coming over for an occasional visit. But because doctors don't believe his right leg is strong enough to support outfitting him with an artificial limb, he'll continue to live at the center. It will be the first time since they were married that they've been physically apart for any extended period of time.

"Yes, they were always together, whether it be working on the farm or fishing, which they both loved to do, or playing cards," said Orville Gehrke, the couple's son. hey have three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

That observation was echoed by Darwin Frauendienst, lay pastor at St. Matthew's Lutheran Penn Township Church where the couple still maintains their membership.

"I don't think I ever saw one without the other, and I've known them for a good, many years. They both are hard workers; yet they cared about and reached out to others."

While some might think all that togetherness might become a problem, Myrtle, grinning broadly, said it really didn't.

"It wasn't so hard. He's a pretty easy guy to live with."