Anniversary: Allan and Agnes Arendt

Seventy years ago, on Aug. 11, 1956, Allan and Agnes Arendt began their life together with a wedding day that reflected the simple values, strong community and traditions of Ozaukee County.

They were married at 9 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Port Washington. The day began with a little uncertainty, as everyone hoped the groom would arrive on time after finishing the morning milking on the family farm.

Following the ceremony, the wedding party gathered at the groom’s family farm for breakfast prepared by his mother. (The bride’s family home wasn’t an option — it didn’t have a bathroom.)

Formal photographs were taken at Laab’s Studio in Grafton before lunch was served in the basement of St. Mary’s School.

The celebration continued at Hiltgen’s in Fredonia, where more than 150 family members and friends enjoyed dinner followed by the traditional grand march and dancing to a live band complete with a horn section. At midnight, guests were treated to the customary “Midnight Lunch” — a generous homemade feast after hours of dancing.

Perhaps the most remarkable part of the day was that every dish was lovingly prepared by neighboring women from the community. There were no caterers, just friends and neighbors helping make the day unforgettable.

Back then, the Ozaukee Press regularly featured engagement announcements, bridal shower photos and wedding stories describing the bride’s gown and the attendants’ dress colors because newspaper photographs were printed in black and white. Those traditions are fondly remembered and remain part of the couple’s cherished memories.

Over the past seven decades, their greatest joy has been the family they built together on their dairy farm in the Town of Port Washington. They are blessed with 10 children: Dan, Dale (Chris), the late Dave “Hans,” Denise (Kevin Tappa), Duane (Kathy), Dean (Julie), Allan Jr. (Marie), Debra (Larry Newell), Doug (Laurie) and Deanna (Rick Lee), and daughter-in-law Brenda Weiss.

They have 25 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and some bonus great-grandchildren, and they lovingly remember their late son Dave “Hans” and late grandson Travis Tappa.

Another great-grandchild and their first great-great-grandchild are on the way — a legacy of love that continues to grow with each new generation.