A love story that began in war-torn Germany now resides in Lindsborg. Tilly and Emil "Pete" Peterson, Jr., will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary this August. Their marriage vows took place outside her hometown of Hanau in one of the few buildings that survived the Allied bombings: a castle. Pete knew just enough German to be able to speak the right word when asked the big question. He said, "Ja!"

The German economy, in shambles, rendered paper money useless, so the couple had to barter for their wedding bands with chocolate and cigarettes. Soon after, Pete Peterson brought his war bride back to McPherson, Kansas, to raise a family. Recently they chose Bethany Home Assisted Living in Lindsborg to call home.