Dale & Dotty Vollrath
- Married Since 1955
Dale and Dotty Vollrath will be celebrating their 69th wedding anniversary this summer on July 30, 2024. They both grew up in Greenwood, Wisconsin. Growing up in the same church, Dale, being a few years older, even served as Dotty’s Sunday school teacher one year. Sparks didn’t begin to fly until Dotty was a senior in high school. Dale was the driver for a young adult function at church. On the way home, Dale managed to drop everyone else off first so that he could be alone with Dotty in the car. Their courtship moved along quickly after that, with a ring at Christmas, and a June wedding planned for 1953. However, Dale was unexpectedly drafted that spring. They gave their wedding date to some friends who had recently become engaged, since the church was already reserved. Dale left for the army and Dotty hung her wedding dress in the closet for two years.
Dale went on to serve in Berlin, Germany where he had lots of adventures, and Dotty spent her time wisely by attending Wisconsin Teachers College at UW-Stevens Point. Dale returned in May of 1955. The wedding dress was rescued from the closet, and a July wedding happened with much celebration. One of Dale and Dotty’s favorite memories from the wedding involves their car. They expected the decorated car to be outside of the church as they exited, but to their surprise there was a horse and buggy instead. Dale had to drive it up and down the street before they could have the car back – Dotty says, he almost tipped it, too!
They began their married life in Spencer, moving fairly soon to Green Bay. Dale followed in his wife’s footsteps and also became a teacher. They both spent their careers in the Wisconsin Public School system. Dale and Dotty still support higher education with many scholarships in their name across the state. Their marriage has always been centered on family, the church, and seeing the world. They raised three successful children. Dale and Dotty are consummate volunteers to aid both their church and community. Dale always says, “Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to help those who are in need.” Adventurous travelers, they saw the whole world, seeing all the continents and visited over 100 countries.
Marriage Advice: Dotty: “The seven most important words in a marriage are I love you, I’m sorry, you’re forgiven.” Dale: “Find someone easy to get along with! We’re just lucky to have had each other for so long!”