Celebrating 70 Years of Marriage

An Ankeny couple celebrated 70 years of marriage on Wednesday, December 28. Neal and Mary Jane Clemmer have been living life to the fullest throughout their marriage by traveling the world, creating their own adventures, enjoying their careers, raising four daughters, and spending time with their eight grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Being close to family is why the couple chose in Ankeny at Vintage Hills at Prairie Trail.

The Clemmers first met at Iowa State playing bridge. Was it love at first sight? Not exactly, Neal asked Mary Jane if she was going to talk or play bridge. While Mary Jane still plays bridge a couple times a week, Neal has given up the game.

Married on December 28, 1946, the couple celebrated their 70th anniversary of their Christmas time wedding surrounded by family and friends, enjoying a dinner of French onion soup, filet mignon avec pomme de terre con legumes (Beef tenderloin with Belgium fried potatoes and spring peas). The meal was inspired by the significant time they have spent in Paris, Neal considers it his “second home.” The couple cut a red velvet cake and fed it to one another, and Neal gave a beautiful speech to which everyone toasted champagne.

Seventy years of marriage is impressive to say the least. For newly married couples, each offered a little advice. “Go with the flow,” said Neal. “Have fun and enjoy life,” said Jane. What wonderful words to live by.