We live in an increasingly throw-away culture, a single-use society of fast fashion and mass consumption, all bundled up in disposable packaging.
Nowadays, it seems as if nothing is created to stand the test of time.
Except, that is, for Jerry and Tyke Bichsel.
At the end of June, the couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary at Geneva-on-the-Lake with their children… and their children’s children… and their children’s children’s children. All told, when factoring in assorted other relatives who showed up for the festivities, a whopping 80 family members gathered to honor Tyke and Jerry.
“That includes my Mimi and Pops, their seven children—six present and one in spirit—and their seven spouses, 22 grandchildren and their 15 spouses, and 22 great-grandchildren,” said granddaughter Abigail Burch. “While most traveled just a few hours, some traveled from as far as Key West, Florida, California, and Washington state. There was one grandchild and two great-grandchildren that could not join us for the occasion.”
There are two facts you need to know about Jerry and Tyke. First, when the couple uttered the words “until death do us part,” they absolutely meant it. And second, Bichsel anniversaries—particularly those occurring quinquennially—are so much more than just a simple dinner or get-together.
Let’s just say this is one family that knows how to throw a party.
“The celebration was actually a four-day event,” said Burch. “Starting with their 60th anniversary, every five years they have been taking the whole family on a trip to celebrate. Sixty years was Gatlinburg, Tennessee, 65 years was Punderson State Park, and 70 years was Geneva-on-the-Lake.”
First, the guests arrived to find cottages reserved for them, complete with gift bags. Then everyone gathered for a cookout.
“My grandparents had breakfast and dinners set up as a family for each day,” said Burch. “On Friday, we all did various activities with members of the family; some went swimming, some hiking, some fishing, and some jet skiing on Lake Erie. We all came together Friday night for a pizza party buffet and then ended the night swimming, going downtown, and having a bonfire catching up with members of the family we haven’t seen in a while.”
On Saturday, the group split up for a while as the women toured a winery while the men golfed. That evening, everyone came together for a formal celebration dinner, which was topped off by a touching moment.
“My grandparents surprised us by having our cousin, Father Ty Tomson, renew their vows,” said Burch.
Father Tomson, a Catholic priest, knows a thing or two about the commitment and love required to build and maintain a successful relationship, having tended to the spiritual needs of his parishioners since 2011.
“At every wedding, my grandparents are the last couple standing for the “longest married” dance,” he said. “When the DJ asks them to share their secret, Jerry delivers the line: ‘Happy wife, happy life.’ Really, they just take such great care of one another all day, every day, whether they’re traveling or bringing their huge family together or simply hanging out at home. They are surrounded by happiness all the time, because they have shared it with one another so well for so long.”
The love this couple has shown one another has filtered down to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, says granddaughter Leslie Blake.
“Our emotional commitment to each other as a family unit is evident by the connections we have and foster with each other,” Blake said. “Tyke and Jerry have been instrumental in keeping those connections alive and well. They have paved the way for family gatherings, large and small to celebrate all things family centered.”
Granddaughter-in-law Samantha Hillyer concurs, saying the respect the couple exhibit for one another symbolizes their deep and enduring love.
“Tyke and Jerry treat each other with the utmost respect,” said Hillyer. “Before making plans or committing to anything, they always check with their other half. I especially love seeing them hold hands on their car rides, it’s those small gestures that show they genuinely just love being together. They are the best example of marriage.”
Currently, the divorce rate in the US stands at 42 percent. Lest you think Gen Xers and Millennials are to blame, the divorce rate for Americans over 55 has doubled since 1990. For couples over 65, the rate has tripled. More evidence of today’s disposable culture.
Tyke and Jerry Bichsel are a rebuttal to that ethos. They stand as a monument to love and commitment, and their myriad offspring are the beneficiaries of that commitment. As Leslie Blake said, Jerry and Tyke’s progeny “are all truly blessed.”
So, raise a glass. Here’s to another five years for this loving and lucky couple.
