Married 65 years ago, Harold and Ruth Knapke died the same day, just 11 hours apart. He was 91 years old, and she was 89. The couple's daughters said their father struggled to side with his wife despite having health problems until they could "go on a new journey together." He went first and she followed him.
The couple met in childhood and began dating by mail while Harold served in the Army during World War II. After that he became a teacher, coach and sports director at Fort Recovery Schools. Together they raised their six children with a devotion that seemed not to diminish over the years.
One of the daughters said that when his wife was sick, he would bless her every night with holy water.
The couple had a funeral together. The grandchildren carried the coffins and the procession to the cemetery stopped at the farmhouse where the couple lived. The current owners surprised the family by raising the flag at half mast to honor the former owners.
It's really a love story. Were they so committed, loyal and dedicated, that they went nowhere without the other? said Carol, one of the couple's daughters.
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