Love at Avera Prince of Peace: Meet the ‘Love Couple’

When Ron Wingert went to live at Avera Prince of Peace Retirement Community, he needed therapy. So, Elaine helped him get stronger by walking with him up and down the long hallway. They held hands along the way.

This year, they will celebrate 69 years of marriage, from which they have 12 kids, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren to be thankful for.

They met when Elaine moved in with Ron's cousin – and while the two were friendly, Elaine insists it was NOT love at first sight. It was Ron's dancing that won her over.

Ron taught Elaine to dance the "old-time" waltz and polka. These days, the Wingerts watch "Polka Time" on Saturday nights and dance from their chairs.

The key to their marriage is simple, they said.

“We just worked everything out,” Elaine said, to which Ron added, “It took some years, but it kept us busy, and we needed each other.”

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