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 Happs celebrate 60 years of marriage with vow renewal in ALMH chapel
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[June 15, 2013]
When Lester Happ was admitted to
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, it was clear to him and his wife,
Carol, that he would likely be spending their 60th wedding
anniversary at the hospital. Carol and Lester asked ALMH staff for
help with a vow renewal to honor their special day.
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 "We've always been good at improvising," said Carol.Several ALMH
employees worked together with ALMH Chaplain Robert Henderson to
make the arrangements for the ceremony, providing everything from a
wedding cake to flowers for the couple. The brief ceremony took
place in the hospital chapel at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, on their
anniversary. Henderson presided over the ceremony, reminding the
couple of the importance of communication and celebrating their love
for one another each day.
Their daughter Lisa Wrage, of Emden, was present for the
occasion. They also have a daughter Mary, who lives in Portugal, and
a son, Dirk, who lives in DeKalb. The Happs have six grandchildren
and five great-grandchildren, with another on the way.
Lester and Carol Happ were married in Milwaukee, Wis., on June
13, 1953. Lester is retired from a toxicology lab, and Carol retired
after 25 years of teaching seventh-grade biology in Northbrook. They
moved to Hartsburg in 2003.
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Their interests are varied. After 60 years of marriage, they
easily reflect upon all their great experiences of traveling across
the United States and internationally. They have participated in
many Road Scholar education travel adventures and are also members
of the Central Illinois Banjo Club. Lester plays the banjo and Carol
plays the ukulele. As a family, the Happs also did a lot of camping.
"You know, they say that those who camp together, stay together,"
said Carol.
The Happ family is planning a party for this weekend in Hartsburg
to celebrate the special anniversary.
"I am hopeful that I'll be home in time for the party," said
Lester. "I look forward to seeing our family and friends."
[Text from file received from
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital] |
