CATONSVILLE, MD (August 18, 2015) -- Centenarians Walter and Lisette Kimmel today celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary at 2 p.m. –- the exact date and time when they were married in 1940 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Baltimore. They did so at a party held in their honor at Charlestown retirement community where they now live.
Their celebration included Big Band music, cake and an opportunity to reminisce about the great year of 1940. SugarBakers of Catonsville generously provided a personalized cake for Walter and Lisette to enjoy.
Nearly 100 residents and staff, combined, attended the party to share in the happiness of Walter and Lisette.
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Walter and Lisette met at 22 years of age at Immanuel Lutheran Church where she played the organ and he sang in the choir. After church one day he came up to her to make their first date.
In those days, Walter said, “It was custom for boys to sit on one side of the church and girls on the other.”
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Church and music have been a positive aspect of the lives of Walter and Lisette. Whether they are listening to big band music, love songs, or church hymns they have their favorites. They especially enjoy George Gershwin and Irving Berlin songs.
Their advice for a long, happy marriage?
“Stay true to each other,” said Lisette. “Be honest with each other and enjoy each other.”
Walter said, “Be happy with each other every day of your life.”
Lisette is a graduate of Catonsville High School and Walter graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. Walter served two years in the U.S. Navy and worked for Baltimore Gas & Electric Company in the Street and Highway Lighting Department. Lisette worked as a secretary.
Walter and Lisette have two sons: Walter Kimmel Jr. who lives in Nebraska and Paul Kimmel who lives in Nevada.
They also have four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
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Caption for attached photo: Centenarians Walter and Lisette Kimmel kiss one another during their 75th wedding anniversary party at Charlestown retirement community where they now live (photo by Mel Tansill).
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