A Very Special Valentine’s Day

On February 14th, Valentine’s Day, three couples renewed their wedding vows in front of their families and peers at Riverview Pointe. Lead by a fellow resident of Riverview, Susan Pogue, an Ordained Minister, renewed the promises made to each other between 36 and 71 years ago!

Set in our Multipurpose room, a flute player played in the background while Sandra and Earl Conrad, Arline and Joe Ferenz, and Ellen and George Binggeli listened to Susan recite their wedding vows. A crowd of guests witnessed this magical event and enjoyed wedding cake at the conclusion. After the ceremony, each couple was able to spend time together at their assigned table with family and each other. Everyone had such a great time and were so happy they were able to have this experience.

A little more about our re-newlyweds…

Sandy and Earl Conrad have been married for over 36 years. Both bringing children from previous marriages, together, they have 5 children (one who has passed away) and 11 grandkids and great grandkids. Earl worked at a boat club years ago and was friends with Sandy’s sister Debbie. Debbie introduced the two and after a year of dating, they got married. In their retired years, they did a ton of traveling. They loved to boat all over the place and also had a RV. They would often go to Florida and spend time there during the colder months. Sandy was always very active and loved to sew, she even has a room at their home dedicated to sewing and Earl embraced her hobby. Even though their lifestyle has changed, Earl still spends every day with Sandy here at Riverview.

Joe and Arline Ferenz celebrated their 70th year of marriage this past November. Joe was a high school cheerleader and track runner and he caught Arline’s eye one day and “they just clicked”. They met while she was a Junior and Joe a senior in high school and after two years of dating, got married. The Thursday before their wedding, Joe received his draft notice and was in France for about a year and a half before returning and starting their family. They have three children (one has passed away), 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Arline says that “we have always been so happy together. Joe is always so kind to people and a perfect father to our kids, I would do it again!”

Ellen and George Binggeli have been married for 71 years! They first met playing cards and then went on their first date, in 1950, dancing at the Columbia Ballroom. Four months later they got married. At the time, George had a contract with the Cleveland Indians but ended up walking away from baseball because their wedding invites were planned for the same time that he was to meet with the Indians. The two of them ran a 75 acre sweet corn farm locally and raised two boys. They are very proud of their 5 grandchildren and 6, almost 7, great grandchildren.

All three couples looked absolutely radiant this Valentine’s Day and are clearly still so in love. We are so happy to have hosted this memorable occasion, cheers to many more years together!

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