Happs celebrate 60 years of marriage with vow renewal in ALMH chapel

[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.

"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.

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."