Local couples inducted into Wisconsin Marriage Hall of Fame

MADISON – The Wisconsin Family Council (WFC) recently announced its newest inductees into its Marriage Hall of Fame.

WFC began the Hall of Fame in 2022 to honor both the institution of marriage and individual marriages that have gone the distance.

Applying to be part of the 2026 Marriage Hall of Fame is open to any married couple in Wisconsin who has currently been married 60 or more years.

Wisconsin’s 2026 longest-married couple is Rupert (Dewey) and Faye Bartel of Minocqua, who have been married for 76 years.

Twenty other couples join the Bartels in WFC’s Marriage Hall of Fame this year, including four local couples.

Edward and Shirley Haumschild, Marshfield

The Haumschilds have been married 73 years.

They were married at St. Killian’s Catholic Church in Blenker on Oct. 1, 1952, and were blessed with six children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They’ve enjoyed many years of traveling and polka dances throughout the years.

Marriage Advice: Take one day at a time and enjoy the little moments as well as the big moments.

Orville and Arlene Lieders, Colby

The Lieders have been married 70 years.

Orville and Arlene were married at St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Edgar, on Sept. 24, 1955. A reception followed at Arlene’s parents, Alfred and Esther Friedrich’s, home, a dinner at the Church and a dance at Poplar Tree Ballroom in Marathon.

Marriage Advice: Always kiss goodnight

Andrew Sr. and Carol Wanta, Marshfield

The Wantas have been married 69 years.

Andy and I met at a wedding in the fall of 1955. At that time, Andy lived in Wausau and Carol lived in Stevens Point, which meant many commutes between the two cities. They married the following September.

Marriage Advice: Never go to bed angry and always forgive each other before you sleep.

Jerome and Jean Weber, Stratford

The Webers have been married 65 years.

Jerome and Jean met at the dance hall in Rozellville.

Marriage Advice: While working alongside each other remember that once in a while to give each other a little space.

Each of these couples will receive a framed certificate recognizing their induction into Wisconsin’s Marriage Hall of Fame.