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From the day they met, John and Stella Dietrich began a journey of life together that was strengthened by their love and commitment to each other. This year, they will celebrate their 67th anniversary.
Stella Needham and John Dietrich met through mutual friends and began dating in July 1939. He was outgoing, and she was shy. He would walk her home after work; she watched him play softball. He worked hard, and she anxiously awaited the letters he'd send while he was away.
By December, John knew he wanted Stella to be his wife. On Christmas, he presented her with a diamond ring.
The Dietrichs learned early in their relationship to save for what they needed. During the months prior to their wedding, they not only planned a wedding, they began saving for their future together. Every month, John gave Stella money to put into a savings account. By the time they married, they had saved enough money for a down payment on a house.
"We were committed," Stella said. "We didn't have so many wants and needs, unless it was absolutely necessary."
"We went to Colorado to get married," John said. "The preacher had lived right next door to us. He moved out there and I wanted him to marry us, so we drove out there."
After they were married on July 3, 1941, in Berthoud, Colo., they went to the mountains and threw snowballs.
The Dietrichs were blessed with two children, John and Susan. Stella stayed home and cared for the family.
"John didn't want me to work (outside the home)," Stella said. "So I've been committed to taking care of the children and the home."
That commitment didn't go unnoticed.
"Grandma has always had a very kind and giving heart," granddaughter Erin Randall said. "Always thinking of her family and making sure everyone had just what they wanted. I think Grandma's kind way about her, and her patience, has been a key component of their marriage."
"Grandma has been the ultimate caregiver," added another granddaughter, Cindy Lefler. "Her patience and ability to tend to Grandpa's needs are an example of her selflessness. Plus, I don't know too many women who would constantly pick up sunflower seeds and other things throughout the last 60-plus years. That's true love."
Stella smiled at her husband with pride as she told of the years that he has worked to provide for the family.
"He's never been one to lay home in bed and say, 'I don't want to go to work.' That's never happened. Everything we have, my husband has earned."
John has worked in sales for more than 71 years, and at 92, still works part time for Anderson Auto Parts.
"Grandpa has always been generous to his family, a good provider, never griping about his work," wrote Bobbi and John Dietrich. "In fact, he is still working, enjoys it and considers it a privilege to work."
John and Stella, like many couples, went through their share of hard times. They were plagued with medical problems, and both almost lost their lives due to health issues. They raised a family, cared for grandkids and great-grandkids. Through it all, they have held fast to each other and the love of family.
"The Dietrich family has always been close-knit and involved with each other, caring for one another," John and Bobbi added to their message. "I think having lots of family around for support, fun, have added glue to the marriage."
When asked if it was love at first sight, John and Stella smile at each other.
"I guess it had to be love at something to stay together that long," Stella said.
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