On February 12th, eight couples came together to show that true love can be everlasting by saying “I do” once again. These couples at Hearthwood Senior Living in Bartlett collectively represent 400 years of marriage.
In an intimate ceremony hosted in the community chapel, these seven couples walked down the aisle once again to renew their vows many years later. Community residents, staff, and family members were all in attendance to witness this heartwarming representation of love and commitment.
Agnes and Chuck Fruehe
Coincidentally celebrating 71 years to the day on February 12th, Agnes and Chuck Fruehe have built a long life together rooted in family, service, and devotion. Shortly after they got engaged, Chuck was called into military service and stationed overseas. When he came home, he realized that not only had Agnes been waiting for him, she had already planned their wedding. Now 96 and 93 respectively, the couple walked down the aisle together at Hearthwood with bouquets in hand to say “we still do.”
Joyce and Les Zemba
In an unexpected story of resilience and choice, Joyce and Les Zemba’s love story began when she was a Catholic nun and school principal, and Les was interviewing for a teaching position. Les states that he knew “that was my person” the moment he saw her. Joyce eventually left the convent, a profound decision that Joyce explores in her memoir A Life Like Nun Other. Joyce, 85, and Les, 79, have now been married for 54 years. Joyce has stood by Les through multiple serious health challenges, and their story offers an inspiring lesson on commitment and choosing love.
Sharon and Don Miller
Another couple, Sharon and Don Miller, both 81, have coincidentally known each other all their lives. Married for 56 years, the two were born just 8 days apart, sharing the same nursery in the same hospital. They later reconnected in a bar in Chicago over two decades later. Their relationship reflects a deep sense of friendship and playfulness. About the vow renewal, Sharon stated, “it’s like saying, yeah we’d do it again.” Don then followed, saying, “I wanna lock her in for the duration,” proving that after all these years, he can still get a laugh out of his wife.
The vow renewal was followed by a Valentine’s Day celebration, honoring all 38 couples in the community. This incredibly moving event provided several examples of love in its truest form, remaining constant through age, illness, war, parenthood, and life-altering change.
Many local news stations featured this heartwarming event, including the front page of the Daily Herald. Click here to read ABC 7, WGN 9, CBS News and the Chicago Tribune’s coverage. Click below and check out video coverage of this event and interviews with the couples.
