It was a wedding for the ages when Dorothy Jane Wacker and Arvel Duane Tegeles tied the knot Aug. 12.
The outdoor ceremony was under the trees, at "Seclusion Point," overlooking McDonald Lake. Everything was just about perfect--except for the weather.
For many brides and grooms, the fact that Mother Nature deposited a steady dose of rain through the nuptials and reception would be a source of frustration.
But for a pair of Korean War era veterans who have experienced just about everything, Dorothy and Arvel shrugged it off and had fun.
Both bride and groom were 73 years old. Dorothy has been active with the Dent American Legion Post, and she was a woman who followed the road less traveled in her day. Active duty women in the Army weren't common in the early 1950's.
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Both were receiving medical treatment when they met--at the St. Cloud Veteran's Administration hospital, in November of 2005. Ringbearer Alex Guck was age 95. Flower girl Kathy Guck was age 84.
"We were both in wheelchairs, so I had no idea he was six-foot-three...and he didn't know I was four-feet-ten-and-a-half," laughed Dorothy.
Her friends joke that she went into the hospital with a brain tumor and came out with a fiancé."
Conducting the ceremony was Dorothy's daughter, Luau Peterson, who had earned a justice of the peace certification specifically for the wedding.
The processional included children of the bride, Leon and Char Wacker, Tim and Cheryl Wacker, Tom and Karen Wacker, Luau and Craig Peterson, and Ron and Jewel Wacker.
Children of the groom, Patty and Kevin Manix, conducted the exchange of rings.
The Maid of Honor was Marky Van Der Streek, friend of the bride. Flower girls were Kathy Guck and young Cheyenne Musolf, granddaughter of the bride.
Best man was Christopher Peterson, grandson of the bride.
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Vocal soloist was Erin Laughlin.
Ushers were CharlyAnn Bray, great granddaughter of the bride, and Brittany Rapatt, friend of the bride.
Honored guests were Betty and Al Engelstad.
Dorothy and Arvel will be making their home in St. Cloud, but the couple will be regular visitors and seasonal residents at the Seclusion Point Camp Ground.
