What makes a marriage last? Look no further than Hazel and Norman Bollinger, a remarkable couple from Minnesota, who are approaching their 75th wedding anniversary this June. Their story, filled with faith, commitment, and respect, offers valuable lessons for building a strong relationship.
Both over 100 years old, the Bollingers credit their long and happy marriage to several key things: listening to each other, admitting mistakes, sharing feelings, expressing gratitude, finding humor in life, keeping good friends, and forgiving each other. Norman offers this advice:
“Be a good listener, admit when you are wrong, share your feelings. Be complimentary and say ‘thank you,’ laugh a lot, have good friends, and be able to forgive. Keep going! Look for the positives, don’t get bogged down in the negatives.”
Most importantly, their faith in God has been the foundation of their journey together. “We thank him for our marriage every day,” says Norman, highlighting the importance of faith in their lives. “Keep close to God and he will keep close to us. If you have faith in God all you’ve got to do is ask, and it’ll be done.”
Their love story began in 1945 with what they call four “miracles.”
The first miracle was when Norman, a young farmer from North Dakota, was allowed to leave his farm to attend his cousin’s wedding in Minneapolis.
The second miracle happened shortly after the wedding. Norman was on his way back to North Dakota when he decided, on a whim, to attend an annual camp meeting at Buffalo Lake Pavilion, where his cousin was to be ordained. This decision diverted him from his planned route home and brought him closer to Hazel.
The third miracle involved Hazel. She originally planned to travel, but a feeling told her to stay home. She ended up volunteering at the same event Norman decided to attend.
The fourth and final miracle was their meeting. Norman noticed Hazel, captivated by her beauty and spirit, at the camp. Seizing the moment, he approached her with an offer to get acquainted during a walk by the lake. This encounter marked the beginning of their love story.
Over the next few years, they kept their relationship strong through letters, with Norman even flying his small plane to see Hazel sometimes. Their shared Christian values and commitment led to a beautiful double wedding in 1949. Their life together has been filled with love, challenges, and adventures. They bought and ran nursing homes together.
After retiring from their nursing home business, Norman took up a position as a delivery driver for a courier service, a role he continued until he was 97. Throughout this period, Hazel was his constant companion, accompanying him on his deliveries.
“It was something I enjoyed, and I could take Hazel with me,” he said. “We traveled all around the country together and had a lot of fun.”
The Bollingers have a large family with four children, seven grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren, all a testament to their love and the values they instilled. Daily prayers and faith have been a source of strength and guidance throughout their marriage.
Their granddaughter, Tonya Banther, reflects on the impact of their relationship: “They have demonstrated what marriage is supposed to be…a life-long commitment to one another through the good times and bad, with God at the center of everything.”
“They go everywhere together, and they hold hands everywhere they go. They are just the cutest!”
Norman jokingly credits their long life to “spending time outdoors,” a playful reference to their way of cooling down after disagreements. However, it’s clear that their success comes from much more: a deep commitment to each other, shared faith, and the wisdom to cherish every moment together.
As the Bollingers approach their anniversary, their story is not just a celebration of time, but a guide for couples everywhere. It teaches us that a lasting marriage is built on love, respect, and a strong belief in each other and most importantly the faith in God.
Let us remember that God is at the center of every enduring relationship. We can learn from Hazel and Norman’s journey that faith, love, and gratitude towards God guide us through life’s challenges.
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”: Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)