Bartlett Couple Renews Vows on 71st Anniversary

Eight couples at a senior living community in Bartlett, Illinois celebrated over 400 years of marriage by renewing their wedding vows.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Chuck and Agnes Fruehe, a couple in their 90s living at the Hearthwood Senior Living Community in Bartlett, Illinois, celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary by renewing their vows in a special ceremony along with seven other couples at the community. The couples collectively represent over 400 years of marriage.

Why it matters

The vow renewal ceremony highlights the enduring love and commitment of long-married couples, even in their later years. It's an inspiring example of how romance and partnership can last a lifetime, even as couples face the challenges that come with aging.

The details

Chuck and Agnes Fruehe said "I do" in 1955. On their 71st anniversary, they were one of eight couples at the Hearthwood Senior Living Community who renewed their wedding vows in a special ceremony. The couples were surrounded by family, including Chuck's brother Don who had served as best man at the original wedding. The staff only realized the date coincided with the Fruehe's anniversary after selecting it for the event.

  • Chuck and Agnes Fruehe got married in 1955.
  • The vow renewal ceremony took place on February 14, 2026, the Fruehe's 71st wedding anniversary.

The players

Chuck Fruehe

A man in his 90s who has been married to his wife Agnes for 71 years.

Agnes Fruehe

Chuck Fruehe's wife of 71 years, also in her 90s.

Don Fruehe

Chuck Fruehe's brother, who served as best man at Chuck and Agnes' original wedding in 1955 and attended the vow renewal ceremony.

Hearthwood Senior Living Community

The senior living community in Bartlett, Illinois where Chuck and Agnes Fruehe live and where the vow renewal ceremony took place.

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What they’re saying

“It was a great day. Sun was shining. It was colder than hell, but the sun was shining.”

— Chuck Fruehe (cbsnews.com)

“I was best man. I was the better man, I should say.”

— Don Fruehe, Chuck Fruehe's brother (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Hearthwood Senior Living Community plans to make the vow renewal ceremony an annual tradition, allowing more long-married couples to celebrate their love and commitment.

The takeaway

The Bartlett vow renewal ceremony is a heartwarming example of how romance and partnership can endure even in one's later years. It showcases the power of love to transcend the challenges of aging and the strength of lifelong commitment.