Congratulations to Horst and Eleonore Witte who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 18. Horst and Eleonore’s story is a true testament of love, friendship and family.
The couple married on Feb. 18, 1955 in Germany. Within a year, Horst moved to Canada to work in the gold mines with the hope of providing a better life for his new bride. After a year of working in Canada, he finally brought his lovely wife to be with him.
In 1959, the first of five children was born, Reiner. Barbara followed in 1962 and Ronald in 1964.
In 1965, Horst found a job at a GM plant in Pontiac. Once again hoping for a better life for his family, the Wittes moved to the United States. Shortly after, Erika was born in Pontiac in 1966 with Jurgen, the final child, in 1968.
The family found a beautiful home in Clarkston and settled into their community for the ride ahead.
On Dec. 14, 1991, Horst and Eleonore faced their most trying challenge. While on a mini-vacation to Mio, the couple was in a car accident that left Horst as a paraplegic. Since that time, Eleonore has not only been his wife, friend and lover, but also his full-time nursing companion.
The Witte children are all grown, but have chosen to live near their parents to provide emotional support ? and that closeness was once again brought forth.
In March 2003, the family once again found the love, courage and compassion to handle another tragic event. After a routine doctor’s visit, Eleonore was admitted to the hospital for a triple bypass.
Almost two years later, Eleonore is once again Horst’s primary caregiver, and the couple is still blessed with a loving family: children Reiner (Margurite), Barbara (Kurt), Ronald, Erica (Keenan) and Jurgen (Erica) and grandchildren Heather and Darian.
The family feels this story of love, courage and strength should remind everyone that no matter the obstacles put in place, love can always prevail.
Once again, congratulations to Horst and Eleonore Witte for 50 years of marriage.