John and Bertha Wingebach were married in June 1947. The couple has enjoyed a long and happy marriage, proving that their union was built on mutual love and respect. Read more on edmontonka.
How It All Began
John and Bertha both grew up on farms in Saskatchewan and knew each other from childhood. However, life separated them when they went off to pursue education. Years later, fate brought them together again in Calgary when they were both in their 20s. Bertha had become a nurse and was working at a local hospital, while John was a telegraph operator for the Canadian Pacific Railway. The two quickly rekindled their connection, and their friendship soon blossomed into love. After a year of courting, they decided to marry.
John was not fond of Calgary, feeling lonely in the city, and he planned to move to another Canadian town.
The couple married on June 3, 1947—almost five years before Queen Elizabeth ascended the throne. John recalls that their marriage felt natural, and he never doubted his love for Bertha or his desire to spend his life with her.
The young couple initially settled in Calgary, but in 1952 they moved to Edmonton. John left his telegraph job and transitioned to accounting. When work took him on business trips, he often brought Bertha along to keep her company. Bertha didn’t work outside the home, as John wanted to ensure she wasn’t overburdened.
After a year of working as an accountant, John and Bertha purchased their first home, moving out of their rented apartment. The couple went on to have three children, raising them in a household filled with love and mutual respect.
The Secret to a Happy Marriage
John and Bertha recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. At 96 years old, they both say that their love continues to grow and evolve.
Their strong marriage, they believe, is the result of adhering to a few fundamental principles. The first is mutual respect and listening to one another. The second is the willingness to compromise and sometimes make sacrifices. Lastly, they emphasize allowing each partner to remain an individual, never trying to change or control one another. Instead, they encourage each other to be their true selves.
John has kept memories of their life together on his computer. Originally, he wrote notes on paper, but after they got a computer, he transferred those memories to a digital format.
One of his notes describes how marrying Bertha was his greatest honor and life’s most significant achievement. Another recounts their wedding day, highlighting Bertha’s beauty in a white dress and long veil. The ceremony was small, with just 11 guests, followed by a romantic honeymoon traveling through various Canadian cities.
Bertha shares that she and John have rarely been apart. Even during minor disagreements, they would take long walks together, holding hands and discussing their thoughts and dreams. They always had plenty to talk about and shared many common interests.
The couple has a favorite bench in a local park where they love to spend time together.
A Model Marriage for Their Children and Grandchildren
John and Bertha’s marriage has been a source of inspiration and admiration for their three children and four grandchildren. The younger generation sees the couple as a perfect unit. Even their grandchildren remark on how well John knows Bertha, often answering questions about her without hesitation.
Their children are proud of how lovingly their parents care for one another. Even in their advanced age, John frequently visits a flower shop to buy flowers for Bertha, who receives them with a loving gaze before John kisses her cheek. Bertha, in turn, prepares delicious meals for John and writes poetry for him.
Their enduring love and dedication are a testament to the strength of their bond and a beautiful example for generations to come.