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Community Corner

Meet Althea and Earl Shankweiler, Married 72 Years

Upper Milford couples proves that true love lasts.

What are your full names?

and Althea Lousia (Weil) Shankweiler  

Where do you live?

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Vera Cruz for more than 60 years, but currently Earl and Althea are residing at Lehigh Center, Macungie, Pa.

How many years have you been married?

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The couple just celebrated 72 years of marriage on June 8, 2012

Tell us about your family.

"We have five grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren."

Tell us how you met.

"We met at an auction in Macungie."

Tell us about your wedding day.

The couple married on June 8, 1940 at the home of Rev. William Wolford, Pastor of Zion Lehigh Church. Their marriage was followed by a meal and reception at the home of Earl's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Llewellyn Shankweiler of Macungie, Route 1.

Tell us about your honeymoon.

"No honeymoon!"

What did each of you do for a living?

Earl worked as a farmer on the Butz farm for 12 years and then worked at Air Products and Chemicals for more than 30 years. Althea was a stay-at-home mom and homemaker.    

What was one of the most challenging times in your marriage?

When Earl was working at Air Products as a chainman and fell 30 some feet from the catwalk, landed on concrete floor and broke five vertbrae. They had three small children at home and Earl was told he had a 50-50 chance of living and would never walk again. He says he made liars out of all the doctors! 

What are your fondest memories as a couple?

Some of the fondest moments were taking bus trips to Wheeling, West Va., with the Earl Keller Fan Club and following the bands their son and family were a part of -- Earl Keller and the Melody Rangers along with the Promenadors and also Crazy Willie and the Country Rangers.  

What advice do you have for others to make their marriage last as long as yours has?

"Remember it's a 50-50 deal. Always work together, and never go to bed mad."

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