Ed Fuller was serving as the Assistant Pastor of a Bethel Baptist in Erie, Pennsylvania, and the Youth for Christ Director when he received an invitation to the wedding of the daughter of the senior pastor. The pastor and his wife had been anticipating introducing Ed to their daughter’s best friend, Dianne, who was traveling from Wheaton College for the wedding. Their instincts were correct. These young adults were sold out for the Lord and had committed their lives to Him and ministry as singles and were a perfect match as a couple. After the wedding they talked in Ed’s car for 4 hours! Soon afterwards, Dianne moved to Pennsylvania to live with the pastor’s family while she and Ed dated. She waited and waited for Ed to propose, and considered moving back to Wheaton when things didn’t seem to progress as quickly as she thought. Ed wasn’t confident he could offer her much on a meager salary, but Dianne didn’t want much – just the adventure of sharing their life and ministry together. After they talked, she asked him, “What’s up, are we engaged or not?” They were married months later, on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1959. Dianne says, “We were just so thankful to be married!”

Ed and Dianne built their marriage around their relationship with the Lord and their ministry to His church. Ed become the senior pastor of the Bethel Baptist and faithfully ministered for many years. He later accepted a call to Garfield Baptist Church in Wauwatosa where he was the senior pastor for 16 years. He spent an additional 10 years in pastoral ministry at Immanuel Baptist Church in Toledo, Ohio before returning to Wisconsin as the State Representative for the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches and interim pastor. Dianne was his support and ministry partner each step of the way and she lovingly has a prayer journal filled with answered prayers at each season of their ministry.

Ed and Dianne have 2 sons, Scott and Brent, and a cherished daughter in-law in Diane (Scott). They have 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Ed and Diane recognized the Lord’s rich blessings in their life and are so humbled to see the next generations of their family and ministries continue their legacy of faith and love.

Marriage Advice: “Be certain this is the one for you and you are willing to give your life to. This is a life commitment; you can’t do it halfway. Each of you must stay faithful in walking with the Lord. Be honest and forthright in communication. Talk things out!”