Valentine’s Day invites us to reflect on the many ways love shapes our lives. Across our Ebenezer communities, love is found not only in milestones but in daily rituals, shared memories, and the steady presence of someone who knows you well.
This year, residents and team members shared pieces of their stories. Each one is different, yet all reflect a common thread. Love continues to grow through every season of life.
Cliff and Carol met in college, and Carol made the first move. She asked Cliff out and was the first to say I love you. Sixty-four years later, Cliff still admires both her inward and outward beauty.
Together they describe a marriage filled with unexpected and wonderful experiences, from careers to travel to raising their family. Looking back, they say they could not have had a happier life together.
Jody, Life Enrichment Director at Arbor Lane, and her husband Kevin, will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary on February 17. The best marriage advice Jody remembers came on their wedding day, when their pastor challenged them to be the first to forgive one another. That simple encouragement has stayed with them through the years and continues to guide their partnership today.
Set up by mutual friends, Larry and Kim’s first date included a ride on the Mississippi Queen, sushi in Uptown, and drinks at William’s Pub. More than 20 years later, the details of that evening still stand out. Even today, Kim is the only one who calls him LJ, a small reminder of the closeness they share.
Pat and Buz met while working at St. Luke’s and have now shared 66 years together. Early in their relationship, Pat learned that Buz’s storytelling style included every detail and every name. In response, she once gave him a book titled Get to the Point. Now, when his stories run long, she simply holds it up, and they both smile.
Buz admires Pat’s generosity and the way she always takes the side of the underdog. When they moved into their community, he was unsure at first, but Pat quickly made it feel like home by welcoming neighbors in and making friends with ease. She carefully tracks every birthday in a card file and never misses sending one. During the holidays, Pat decorates enthusiastically for Christmas, and Buz is happy to admire her work. After more than six decades, their partnership is built on humor, tradition, and accepting one another just as they are.
Pat and Judy met at Stonewings, a singles bar in Bloomington, on a Friday night in 1990. They married three years later and blended their families, with Pat’s three sons and Judy’s two sons and four daughters. They retired on the same day, June 30, 2001, and spent the next 20 years wintering in Texas from November through May. Summers were filled with travel and rides on their Honda motorcycle. Two years ago, they moved to Arbor Lane, where they now enjoy life in a comfortable one-bedroom apartment. After 36 years together, they are grateful for the life they have built and are confident in saying this is home.
Glen and Peggy met in a Modern Social Theories class at the University of Colorado. Peggy admits she did not understand much about the class, but she was drawn to how much Glen did. His intelligence caught her attention. They dated only briefly before marrying, and Peggy once joked that she agreed to marry him before she even knew his last name.
Over the years, they have lived in many homes, and now at Aurora on France, they say this will be their last home together. Like the others, it feels cozy and reflects their shared style. Peggy still cooks three meals a day, and Glen never fails to enthusiastically admire what is placed in front of him. In 68 years of marriage, they have never argued about money. They believe the strength of their relationship comes from being able to depend on one another in every area of life, along with small, thoughtful agreements, like peeling peaches and sharing ice cream just the way each prefers.
Love is also found in the moments communities create together. At Aurora on France, residents recently gathered for a rose-filled flower arranging activity. The scents and colors sparked memories of Valentine’s Days past and time spent gardening with loved ones. These shared experiences bring connection and reflection to the season.
Duane and Janice met at the Kato Ballroom while they were students at Mankato State College. The band would play a song for the Circle Two step, then stop so dancers could switch partners. One evening, when the music paused, they found each other. They became dance partners that night and partners for life, now sharing 68 years together.
They have always enjoyed each other’s company, especially dancing, cooking, and baking side by side. Janice says she loves Duane for his patience, and Duane shows his care by looking after her with steady concern and devotion. Over the years, they have made memories at Blue Grass festivals and through family traditions, including choosing a Christmas tree each year from their son Dan’s tree farm in Wisconsin.
Today at The Pillars of Mankato, they appreciate being known by name, the welcoming atmosphere, the many activities, and especially the live music that still brings joy to the dance partners who started it all.
Carl and Kathy met at a New Year’s Eve party hosted by mutual friends. By midnight, they were dancing, and by 2:30 in the morning, they were still talking. Before the night ended, they had already planned their next date. Much of their early relationship unfolded through letters, as Carl lived in the Cities and Kathy was teaching in Jackson. By March, they were engaged, and they married that September.
They cannot remember who first said I love you. Both agree they were smitten from the start. Some of their favorite early memories include long walks late at night, simply talking. Carl’s calm nature balances Kathy’s more spirited personality, and after years of raising five children and navigating life’s changes, they continue to appreciate being able to talk through almost anything.
For them, home is not a building but a concept. It is a place where they can be together while still pursuing their own interests. They are grateful for the time they have shared and for the steady partnership that continues to carry them forward.
Ben and Nona first met in fifth grade at Amboy Public Schools. They dated for five years before marrying and have now shared 66 years together. From senior prom to trips into Mankato for a movie, their early memories remain close to heart.
Ben credits their ability to laugh and enjoy life’s fun and even strange moments as a key to their lasting marriage. Nona believes in not holding a grudge. Together, they have built traditions centered on faith, family, and celebration, especially at Christmas, when church, food, games, and gifts bring everyone together.
After more than six decades, some of the simplest habits still matter most, including sharing a kiss and going to bed together each night.
Hubert and Marilyn’s 71-year marriage began with a blind date. What started as a simple introduction turned into a lifetime together built on humor and companionship.
They credit their shared sense of humor as one of the foundations of their relationship. Marilyn jokes that one of the things she appreciates most is that Hubert puts up with her jokes. They enjoy spending time together playing cribbage and continue to value the everyday moments they share.
Their story has come full circle. Today, their daughter, Lisa, serves as Outreach and Sales Director at The Pillars of Mankato, the very community they proudly call home.
Cody and Lauren met in 2021 as the pandemic was winding down. Friends invited Lauren to a group bowling outing, which turned out to be Cody’s birthday celebration. From the moment they met, they clicked and began dating almost immediately.
Their timeline has always felt meant to be. Cody’s birthday is February 12; they met on February 13, and Valentine’s Day followed the very next day. Each year, that week marks more than a birthday. It celebrates the beginning of their relationship. Now nearly a year into marriage, they make it a tradition to step away from busy schedules, take time off, and reflect on everything they have built together.
Across Ebenezer, we believe senior living is rooted in connection. It is about creating spaces where lifelong partnerships continue to thrive, new traditions take shape, and every story is honored.
This Valentine’s Day, we celebrate the many ways love lives here.