Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Calvin Coolidge had taken office after the untimely demise of Warren G. Harding when Al Heierman joined Elizabeth (Betty) Hittig in wedded bliss on Aug. 15, 1923.
Saturday the couple will celebrate 75 years together by renewing their vows at 5:30 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church.
"It took me two years courting her before she agreed to marry me," Al said. "So, once I got her, I wasn't going to let her go."
It was that determination, as well as cooperation and a true love for each other, that has gotten them through their long life together, Mary added.
"It has been a give and take," she said. "We seem to get along well. We enjoy just being together."
That devotion was born out of their deep spiritual convictions - convictions they have passed on to their progeny, Al said.
"The church has been the center of our lives since we met. Our faith is what got us through," he said. "And we're very proud of the fact that all out family has stayed in the church and in the faith."
Their family has been so active in the Lutheran church, in fact, that they have one grandson, Jonathan, and a grandson-in-law, David Shadday, who are both Lutheran ministers.
"We've been very fortunate. We've had a happy marriage. And God blessed us with two good sons," Betty said.
The couple also boasts seven grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
