From Younger to Elder

By Rosie Adle
Imperial Republican Correspondent
Jim and Idonna Elder celebrated 50 years of marriage with an anniversary party at Zion Lutheran Church in Imperial, NE on the sunny afternoon of Saturday, September 27. Their four grown children worked together to plan the party. Amid fall flowers, golden balloons, and exquisite cakes, all the Elder kids were there to show their love and appreciation for their parents.
At the party, Idonna described Jim as “very dependable, loving, and hard-working.” When I told her I’d ask him for a few lines she said, “he can’t get serious,” which proved to be delightfully true. 50 years is enough time for her to know just what to expect.
Jim shared that he met Idonna at the Blackberry Winter dance in Ogallala. When asked what caught his attention, he replied, “big blonde hair.” He summoned genuine gravity, though, when he said how much he appreciated that Idonna was never one to care about status or personal gain. That kind of selflessness must be an important thread in the tapestry of an enduring marriage.
Together, Jim and Idonna raised four children, all of whom were at the celebration to share a memory and pass on a compliment about their parents. One remembered how he loved to see his parents dance when he was young. This was an especially dear memory since it was a dance that brought them together in the first place. Another described her mom as “the kindest, sweetest soul you’ll ever meet” and added, “my dad won the jackpot.” Jim and Idonna were also characterized by one of their grown children as having done everything together, from fishing trips to travels. Another commented that the long marriage had been marked by “a lot of time, love, and patience.” Every single one of the kids brought up the fact that their parents both worked very hard. Jim and Idonna raised their children with this same priority, preparing them for hard work in future careers and in the home.  
They all celebrated in a fitting space: within the walls of Zion where the family had grown in the faith over the years. Together they expressed gratitude for one of the most precious gifts on earth—a long, Christian marriage.
Jim acknowledged rightly, “there’s no such thing as a perfect marriage” but the joy of the next closest thing to it was on his face. Returning to his joking self, he said that he had told Idonna, “If you think this is special, wait for the next fifty years!”
Here’s to many more years of marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Elder! You’re an inspiration!