From Frozen Roses to 71 Years of Love

Just before Valentine’s Day, 71 years ago, a beautiful bride carried a bouquet of frozen roses into a church in Dutch Neck. A snowstorm nearly put a halt to the wedding, but the love that warmed two hearts that winter day made it through. All these years later, Verne and Alberta Roszel are still each other’s Valentine.

"It doesn't get much colder than that day," said Verne Roszel. "But we were determined to get married, so that's what we did."

This February 14, the pair is sure to be a bit warmer than their wedding day, as they celebrate their love at Harrogate, a local retirement community where they’ve lived for a little over a year. They’ll enjoy a chef-prepared meal and enjoy the company of their fellow residents.

While Verne jokes that the phrase ‘yes, dear’ is the key to a happy marriage, any time spent with the duo leaves no doubt how deeply they care for one another. Their fellow residents say they enjoy seeing the lovebirds around the community, and that their romance is inspiring all year long.

"We've had a really wonderful life," said Alberta. "It's 71 years, but in some ways, it's felt like 71 minutes. Time passes quickly."

Their advice to married couples?

Communicate, laugh, enjoy life and don't sweat the small stuff.