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Exeter 235-3368
29
Lindenfields find love and
loyalty in 65 -year marriage
By Katie Monk
TIMES -ADVOCATE STAPF
EXETER A couple who began their relation-
ship as school sweethearts recently celebrated
their 69th wedding anniversary.
Jake and Verdun Lindenfield of Exeter met in
school when they were 12 and 13 years old.
Verdun, nee Wells, said she was swinging from a
door jam at school and fell on Jake. He picked
her up and got expelled for his good deed but
says it was worth it.
"I had lots of freckles and that won her over,"
Jake said with a grin.
The couple got married when they were 17 and
18 years old and have always called Exeter
home.
Jake said it seems like they got married "just
the other day." They recall there was about an
inch of snow on the ground and the sun was
shining. `
Jake said his father gave him the car with a
tank full of gas and $10 and the newlyweds
headed to London to Verdun's brother's home
for their honeymoon.
Both admit the marriage hasn't beensmooth
sailing and they had more than their share of
disagreements in the first few years.
"We battled it out and stuck together," Verdun
said.'
She remained in Exeter with their son Bev while
Jake was stationed in Europe from ,1939 to 1945
during the Second World War where he drove
ammunition to the front line.
"Since he's been home from the war, there's take."
never been a happier couple," Verdun said with The partnership was evident on their 65th
a smile. anniversary as they welcomed friends and family
to their home with Verdun serving the refresh-
ments and Jake greeting the visitors.
Here's one last secret to their happy marriage,
from Jake.
"We never go to bed at night without telling
each other we love each other and give each
Verdun said. "(But) other a kiss."
They agree they've been true to their vows, par-
ticularly about staying together during sickness
and health.
"I've had an awful lot of sickness but Jake's
been with me all the way," Verdun said.
For his part, Jake 'admits he was quick-tem-
pered and Verdun often had to prod him to get
things done.
Their son Bev and his wife Norma also live in
Exeter and son Edward and his wife Marlene live
in Dashwood.
The Lindenfields said they were strict with
their sons.
"The children were always told that as long as
their feet were under our table, they did as they
were told," Verdun said emphatically.
Although she admits her stance would be con-
sidered overly strict today, she credits the disci-
pline with the good character of her sons.
"They respected us," she said.
Christmas is about family for the Lindenfields.
About 18-20 people would gather for Christmas
dinner at their home until Verdun turned 80
years old and said 'that was enough.'
"It was always nicer when we were all togeth-
er," Verdun reflected.
The Lindenfields eagerly share their.. advice for
newlyweds, encouraging them to persevere
through the early years 'of .the marriage. They
also suggest couples spend more time together,
talk to each other and share the responsibilities
of raising a family.
"No one is brought on this earth to wait on
another," Jake said. "You've got to give and
During their working years, the Lindenfields.
owned a plumbing and heating business in
Exeter. They also worked at the canning factory
to help make ends meet and for five years
Verdun drove the Adult Resources Centre (ARC)
bus.
"We've had a hard life,"
I've never regretted it."
t was a sunny s ay wi a s ` o snow on
the Lindenfields were married in 1934.
r i•
"
♦ . �ykr
1
e groun . Jake and Verdun LTndenfield oTExeter share a moment together on their 65th wedding anniversary
Dec. 10.