Merle and Pearl Bickelhaupt celebrate 70 years

DAYTON–Pearl and Merle Bickelhaupt have been married 70 years as of September 7, 2022, having tied the knot in the old Presbyterian Church on that date in 1952. The couple had been sweet on one another since junior high. Merle's father farmed the Elmer and Rose Stonecipher place and Pearl Stedman grew up in Waitsburg, and Pearl "can't think of a better place to live" than this area. After retiring from succeeding his father in farming in the 1990s, they moved to town and their daughter Shelly and sons Blaine and Dean ensure their comfort in their South 3rd Street residence. A small gathering took place to celebrate the landmark attended by Pearl, 88, Merle, 89, with Dean, his wife Sherry and family.