APRIL 5, 2008.................

marks the 56th anniversary of our wedding. 35 of those years we were blessed to spend them together--the last 21 --well, that's
another story for another time.

How and when did we meet? I guess I have to go back to grade school, when Bob Linder started going to Immanuel. I didn't know
it at that time, but he lived next door to Grandpa and they played together as kids. I didn't know Bob that well, but seeing as
we did go to the same school and church, there was some connection. He was a grade behind me in school, as he was a year
younger, or as he put it later on, ha ha you are older than me. Anyhow, after grade school I went to Lutheran High School and
so did Bob. we were in the same typing class. Our friendship grew throughout our teen years thru our activities with the
Walther League ( the young people's group at church) We were confirmed in our church when we were in 8th grade, having
completed 1 year of instructions. That's where Bob met Vi. She did not go to our school, however, she took instructions in
the church. Going to public school you had to take 2 years instructions. Being in parochial school we had religion every day
of the week. While in high school and after Vi and I were very active members in the church choiras well as Walther League
and we became friends.


Shortly after I graduated from High School Bob and Vi asked me if I would like to go to "music till past midnight" radio
broadcast with them and some friends. Sounded like fun. They picked me up and we all went in one car. These kids belonged
to a gang called "the teutonia Avenue Indians" side note (my Uncle Brownie was also a member of that gang when he was a
kid) We didn't do bad stuff, we just did stuff--having fun together, not much single dating just all going together, but you
knew who was with who and respected that. That was the night I met Grandpa and Chuck Koktavy. They pulled up to my
house and when I got out Chuck and Wayne both got out to walk me to the door, but Chuck won. We dated for about three
years, and in all that time Wayne was a great friend. He dated lots of girls (including my sister, once and he said never
again). I remember THAT beach party.==============

Well this is getting pretty lengthy, so I will say TO BE CONTINUED..................

I will do this in installments and describe our wedding on 4/5

Love you all