Our two towns of origin, namely Dodge & Howells began consolidating over 50 years ago!!! when we met on a blind date through mutual friends.  AND it was love at first sight!!!  We were married in June of 1961 and have been virtually inseparable since then.  He was working for the Dodge Meat Plant, Dodge, Ne. and we lived not far from downtown Dodge amongst wonderful neighbors.  We brought our daughter  into this world in Febr. 1962 a couple months ahead of schedule!!!
Thus began our precious family of 5 children.  The following year our oldest son came in March; by December of 1964 our third child came--what a joyous Christmas.  1968 rolled around and our fourth child, another son arrived.  June of 1975 and our 4th son made his entrance to this community.  All attended St. Wenceslaus grade school and Dodge High School.  In 1976 we bought the grocery store formerly owned by Wilman Vlach.  The years flew by and before we knew it the children were scattered around the country--one in California, one in Tennessee, one in Arizona and two still in the Omaha area.  In 1990 we bought the Vogltance Store and sold it and retired in 2005.  As of this writing we remain in the town of his roots---Dodge.
Since retiring we have traveled extensively across these United States and have visited many interesting places, met some amazing people; some we call friends to this very day.  We tow a camper a lot of the time and make sure our children's homes in other states are included in our routes.  Our very favorite place to visit is Rocky Mountain National Park (which is where our picture is taken) when we celebrated a special anniversary there with all of our children together in one home that accomodated all 23 of us for a week.  We all will remember the good time we had together near the west gateway to the park. 
Our Grandchildren include Brenda's three boys, Nathan(Taylor), Shaun, & Derek Wood, Bruce's Madalynn Marie, Paul's Kelsey & Collin, Gary's Tyler & Trey and Mark's Isaac & Alexys.  We enjoy spending time with each & every one of them and especially the hugs we always have to share.  Christmases are special times and we appreciate being together with as many as can be here, the more the merrier!!
We continue to stay active in our community and church, helping where we can and when we are at home.  We also have spent several years at Lewis & Clark State Recreation area on staff during the summer season as we enjoy the surroundings and the camping experience.  We visit our family, friends and neighbors who are residents at retirement homes in the area, including Ernie Mejstrik, Marietta's Dad (who is 99 at this time); he still entertains with his button accordian which he learned to play as a youngster.  
Longevity is a trait in our families with several relatives having reached their 90's including (but not limited to) Marvin's mother Adella Mandel, his Grandmother Mary Bures, his aunts from Michigan, Armilla Crothers, Elma Ratzou, and Wilma Zarmstorf Crance, Marietta's Aunts Wilma Mejstrik, Mary Pieper, Elizabeth Rhode Zila, and Uncle Alois Evert.