Couple celebrating 75th anniversary renews their vows in nursing home
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (KTVU) - A New York couple celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on Monday with a vow renewal ceremony held at their nursing home.
The ceremony and reception for Karl and Elizabeth Gfatter were held at River Valley Care Center in Poughkeepsie. Residents and staff helped to put the special day together by creating decorations and turning the center's dining room into a chapel. Staff even helped the bride and groom with physical therapy to allow them to have a "first dance".
Karl, 94, and Elizabeth, 91, lived in the same apartment building as children and began dating as teenagers, after having their first date at an ice cream parlor.
Right after Elizabeth graduated high school, they ran away to Virginia to elope in 1941. "They didn't want us to get married yet, they thought we were to young," Elizabeth says. They later had a church wedding in New York City.
Karl's father was so sure the marriage wouldn't last that he offered him $100 if they made it to their first anniversary. Karl says he paid in cash.
Seventy five years later and the couple is still going strong.
Karl served in World War II and was present on Omaha Beach during the Normandy invasion in 1944. Karl would later go on to serve for a South Bronx fire department for 35 years and Elizabeth worked as an elevator operator.
They had one daughter together, Lorelei, who passed away last year.
Elizabeth says love, honesty, and being good to each other is what has gotten them to this special day.
Police search for suspects in Titusville shooting
Police said the shooting happened early Saturday morning in Titusville.
Man shoots boyfriend of his children's mother in Orange City dispute, police say
One man is in custody after police said he shot the current boyfriend of his kids' mother at an Orange City apartment complex, according to the Orange City Police Department.
Lake Eola swans safely moved ahead of renovation
FOX 35's Matt Trezza was at Lake Eola on Saturday for the scoop!
Death investigation underway after body found in Lee County structure fire
A death investigation is underway in Lee County after a person was found dead during a structure fire investigation, the sheriff's office reported.
Defense Dept. confirms death of soldier reported missing after air base attack
The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed an Army staff sergeant originally reported missing after an Iranian assault on an air base last week had died.
Fire crews respond after flames rip through Orlando home, officials say
A second alarm was requested on the fire due to the extent and threat to a neighboring residence.
Fleeing felon caught by K9 after tossing trafficking-level drugs from car window: Deputies
A convicted felon led Florida deputies on a pursuit through Deltona after fleeing a traffic stop and tossing a bag filled with guns and trafficking-level drugs out his window, according to court documents.
Popular European destination declares: 'Not one tourist more'
A popular European tourist destination is escalating its fight against overtourism with plans to sharply increase taxes on short-stay cruise passengers and maintain strict limits on visitor growth.
Trump’s new tariffs already face 2 lawsuits from small businesses
Two lawsuits filed by small businesses are looking to overturn recent tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration.
Florida man accused of child abuse, feeding boy food tainted with animal feces: VSO
A Volusia County man was arrested Thursday after detectives say he put two children through prolonged abuse, including intentionally feeding a 12-year-old boy food contaminated with animal feces.