David & Beverly Sennholz
- Married Since 1959
My parents met while in high school, mom a senior and dad a junior (my mom said when she first met my dad she didn’t care for him to much :) They double dated with friends but had never dated each other. After high school, mom attended college and got her teaching degree and dad worked in Oshkosh, New York and then enlisted in the Air Force. Mom had gotten engaged to one of my dad’s best friends, but dad had heard there were some problems and decided he would take a chance (since he had always had an interest in her) and sent mom a letter; that letter arrived for her the day after she had broken off her engagement. Mom and dad corresponded only through letters and fell in love without ever going out on a date. After a couple months, dad came home from Korea on leave took mom out to dinner and had an engagement ring waiting for her….they married on August 8, 1959.
Early married life was spent on base, first in Tampa, Florida, at MacDill Airforce Base and later at Orlando Airforce base. They lived on $260/month. Needless to say life was very simple and when the dollars were short by months end dad would sell his blood for $20 to earn a little ‘fun money’ to be able to take mom out once in awhile. They would toss a plastic orange around their apartment for something to do that was fun as well as free. They always said they made their own fun. They moved back to Oshkosh in 1961 and lived in a 12′ x 50′ mobile home on a piece of land that my grandparents gave them from their farm. Eventually building a home there where they raised three children. Dad started his career as an insurance salesmen and mom stayed home. Dad worked hard and managed to win quite a few trips through the company for them to enjoy as a couple as well as a family. Mom was dad’s biggest support; always the one in the background but first in line to provide him what ever he needed to succeed.
Over the past 65 years, they have enjoyed cruises to the Bahamas (Dad had skydivers come on their 25th wedding anniversary with 2 of the skydivers presenting mom each with a dozen red roses and one presenting her with a single white rose with the cruise tickets), Alaska and through the Panama Canal. They have been to Australia, Hawaii and most of the U.S. states. They enjoyed snowmobiling, taking trips in the motorhome and entertaining in their home. They both have the special gift of hospitality, dad “the inviter” and mom “the cook”. Many memories were created in their home and especially around the dining room table.
Mom and Dad would say they are just average; but to us, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren they are a true treasure. They have taught us what is important in life and that is to always have God at the center of your life, love unconditionally and trust and cherish one another. Their lives have been a shining example to us and we strive each day to follow their lead and to give all the glory to God. Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Mom and Dad, may God bless you with many more years together!
Marriage Advice: Tell each other daily that you love and appreciate them. Grow in your personal relationships with the Lord. Read your Bible together and pray together and ask God for his direction in your lives.