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| Veronica and Donald Harrop display their certificate recognizing them for being married for 76 years — the longest in the Diocese of Madison based on submitted nominations. (Contributed photo and Catholic Herald photo/Kevin Wondrash) |
MIDDLETON — On February 11, 1939, the start of World War II was more than six months away, the movie Stagecoach — John Wayne’s breakthrough role — was days away from premiering in New York and Los Angeles, and the Catholic Church mourned the death of Pope Pius XI, who died the day before.
The world, in many ways, has changed since then. One thing that has stayed in the same in the past 76 years is the love between Veronica and Donald Harrop.
The Harrops, who live in Middleton and are members of St. Bernard Parish, will be recognized next month by Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) as the couple married longest in the Diocese of Madison, based on nominations submitted, announced Gie and Bruce Best, Fitchburg, area leaders of WWME.
Their names were submitted to the WWME Longest Married Couple Project by Elaine Harrop, a daughter-in-law.
Since an announcement on their recognition, the couple has been getting a lot of local media attention, which spread across the country to places like Las Vegas and South Carolina.
“We’re very fortunate,” said Veronica, reflecting on 76 years of marriage.
Couple met almost 80 years ago
The couple met at a dance in Arena when they were both 18 years old.
Veronica Statz and Donald Harrop were married three years later on February 11, 1939, and the dancing continued.
“At that time there were dances in about every town . . . we could go every night,” said Donald.
The dancing would come to an end after he had two hip operations, but the Harrops continued to enjoy each other’s company traveling to Europe and the Bahamas and also gambling.
“I won more than you did,” Veronica gently reminded Donald.
He called her a “winner” after telling the story the time Veronica won $6,000, which he later spent on a car.
Job opportunities for both took them to Arena, Milwaukee, Mazomanie, Cross Plains, and back to Mazomanie, before settling in Middleton.
Donald worked for Statz & Harrop Painting, with Veronica’s father, for many years.
Growing in love and family
The Harrops, both 97 years old, had six children — three of whom they have outlived. They have more than a dozen grandchildren and great-grandchildren and also have two great-great-grandchildren.
Their house is the headquarters for the whole family to get together on Christmas — gathering in their home’s rec room after dinner at an area restaurant.
As for any secrets or keys to being married for 76 years, the Harrops explained it simply.
“Keep loving each other,” said Veronica.
“Love each other” and “don’t fight,” said Donald.
Even today, Veronica and Donald find ways to get closer to each other.
“Ouch, don’t pinch me,” Donald said to Veronica as they were getting their picture taken before admitting “she’s trying to get me closer.”
Other couples recognized
Other couples being recognized by WWME include the state winners — Madeline and Herman Neinas of New Franken, married 78 years, and the national winners — Alice and Dale Rockey of Olathe, Kan., married 81 years.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter offers married couples the opportunity to spend time together away from the busyness of the world to focus on each other. It offers tools for building and maintaining a strong, Christian marriage in today’s world.
To learn more about the Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekends online, go to www.wwme.org or call 800-795-5683.