To celebrate their 70 years of marriage, the children of Carol and Rollie Krause are hosting an open house on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Bishop Hill Colony School on West Main Street.
When the couple first met, Rollie was residing in Kewanee, and Carol lived in Wethersfield. He was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Church, while she, a Catholic, attended Visitation Church. Back in the 1950s, the fact that they were from “rival” communities and different religions could have led to disharmony. “But not for them,” said daughter Joella Krause. “They never argued about money or religion.”
Rollie proposed while they were both working at the Kewanee Boiler, and they were married on Oct. 29, 1955, at Carol’s church, with Fr. Jerome Morrissey officiating.
Three years later, the couple moved to Bishop Hill. Rollie recalls it was a busy day in the village, with crowds of people attending the annual “Old Settlers’ Day” celebration. “It was quite a welcome,” he said.
Three children were soon added to their household. Joella Krause of Geneseo, Krisceda Dryer of Kewanee and Kevin Krause of Woodhull. They also have nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Rollie continued his job at Kewanee Boiler until his retirement. Once the children were school age, Carol began working at Kewanee Public Hospital. First, as a nurse’s aide and later as part of the facility’s materials management department.
As a member of the VASA Lodge and the Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association, Rollie still attends meetings. The one-time village board member and museum volunteer, he is a familiar face around town – always with a friendly greeting for everyone he meets.
Carol has resided at Allure in Geneseo for the past four years, and Rollie visits her twice a week, along with other family members. She is looking forward to seeing friends and family.
The special anniversary celebration is hosted by daughters Joella and Krisceda, and they encourage friends to stop by the school to greet the couple and share memories. Photos of the couple and their wedding, along with Carol’s gown, will be on display.
Those who attend will be provided with a card on which they can write their memories of the couple.
“No gifts, please,” said Joella. “A greeting card is fine. They don’t need presents. Their best gift is their long, loving marriage to each other.”
