I don’t know why I never asked to see this photo until now. For me, Kermit and Eunice’s marriage was what was important. Eunice never spoke to me about their wedding day, just that it was also Kermit’s birthday. But she always spoke of their marriage and how she missed him.

Brenton, Kermit’s brother, was the minister at the Brethren Church Eunice attended. Brenton had a son named Walter, who kept asking Eunice if she wanted to meet his Uncle Kermit.  He was just convinced that she would like him.  I can just see Eunice politely thanking Walter for the thought, but also saying she didn’t need to meet his Uncle.

But fate and destiny have a way of working things, and when two people are destined to meet, then they meet.  Kermit’s friend Bob Fager asked Kermit if he would drive him to see a girl that he had met who he was sweet on.  Her name was Oma Kramer, and Bob didn’t have a dependable car to get to Streator, but Kermit did.  Maybe Kermit thought that once he got to Streator, he could see his brother, but once the men arrived, off went Oma and Bob to do something by themselves.  This left Kermit by himself at the Kramer farm.  Eunice said it was a Sunday night when they met.  Once Kermit and Eunice met, their fates were intertwined for the rest of their lives.  Even after Kermit left this earthly home for his heavenly one,  Eunice talked of no other.  For them, they were soul mates, destined to be together and fated to love.

On Sunday June 4, 1939 Kermit and Eunice were united in marriage by the Reverend V. Stroll at the United Brethren parsonage. Kermit wore his best suit and Eunice was in a sweet simple white dress, hat, gloves and shoes. An article ran in the paper proclaiming their union. In error, it reports that Eunice’s parents were from German Valley, however the Kramers resided in Streator. Like their simple wedding, the photo too is a simple reminder of their day where they celebrated not only Kermits birthday but their wedding.

While Kermit and Eunice had just 30 years together, those years produced three children, 9 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and if I’ve counted correctly 5 great great grandchildren so far. So join me in a toast celebrating the Bride and Groom, to Kermit and Eunice! Happy Anniversary!