Barb and David Denn pass 50 year marriage mark

Barb and David Denn celebrated their “golden,” that is, fiftieth, wedding anniversary the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 20. The couple were surrounded by a room full of family, friends, food and music.

 

According to a heartfelt speech shared by maid of honor and sister of the bride Debbie Roemhildt, the couple married on Dec. 20, 1975. Roemhildt mentioned she was only 15 years old at the time, and did not give the expected speech and toast at the time. She fixed that shortcoming during the celebration. “They got engaged at the Pizza Hut over in Mankato. With God’s blessing they had three children, Chanda, Aimee and Adam. With the addition of grandchildren, Barb and David’s names were added to when the grandkids started calling them G’pa and Mimi. Ten sweet grandchildren, Corbin, Georgia, Carlee, Stella, Milee, and Carson were the first ones. In a while James, Brennyn, Ethan and Kinsley were added to the family mix.

 

“Dave and Barb enjoyed many of God’s creations, traveling around the USA, Mexico, Alaska, Canada and Hawaii. Always giving their time to help others with consideration; keeping God in their lives was a top priority.”

 

The get-together was from 2 to 5 p.m., but the room was still filling up at 3:30 p.m. and no one showed any signs of leaving. For refreshments there was a table filled with freshly baked assorted bars, sandwiches, salad, coffee and pickles–lots of pickles. In fact there were pickles on every table. There was a balloon arch and although it’s been a while, there was Barb’s original wedding dress and her wedding veil: She was nice enough to wear the veil for a picture. David, who was dressed in a gray checkered suit said, “Remember me wearing this because this will probably be the last time you’ll see me in it.”

 

Daughter Chanda was the only child present, the other two are living in Texas and Florida. Barb’s mother, Anita Risto, was also there, as was Pastor Grannis of St. Paul Lutheran and his wife Kristy. Before they turned up the music, Barb had too few words to say, but she meant them when she said, “I can’t believe you all came. It’s been a while since I’ve seen many of you. Thank you.” Then she reminded everyone that they should eat, and that there was plenty of food to go around.