That day in 1980

From left, Brendan Suel, Randy Anderson, the late Gary Welch (obscured), Stan, Kathleen, Jennifer,
Marcelline and Melissa.

The man who married us 37 years ago passed away last week; we attended his Shakopee funeral today. It was a time of remembrance in many ways.

Brendan Suel's son, Bob, was Stan's newspaper co-worker at the time, when Kathleen and Stan were struggling to put together a family with three girls. Sure, Bob’s Dad said, he’d be glad to help out, and so we looked around for a place to do the deed. The night before, the Best Man found a big maple that was showing signs of wisdom in Chanhassen’s Lake Ann Park and we were good to go.

Our officiant had founded the Shakopee Valley News with his brothers in 1941, served in Eisenhower’s headquarters surgeon division as staff sergeant in 1943. The founders sold the newspaper, Brendan then had his own Gambles hardware store. In 1980, he was the clerk of court for Scott County, which, like a captain of a ship, qualified him to perform nuptials.

And perform he did. It was a beautiful day, a wonderful ceremony, and we’re still married.

Stan, retired, is the publisher emeritus of the Shakopee Valley News.

Of all the many things Brendan did with his 95-year life, sorry, we think our marriage was the best one.