theordquiz.com

By Kate Wolf
   Gene and Helen Morrow of Scotia, NE have beaten the odds. At the ages of 94 and 92 respectively, they celebrated 75 years of marriage on Jan. 10, 2026. Even though both could pass for at least a decade younger, this is an exceptionally rare milestone for any human being. Demographic experts claim that only 1,000 couples across the entire United States are married for 75 years or longer at any given time. That’s 0.0016 percent of all married couples in the U.S.
   Reaching this milestone requires marrying at a young age combined with unusual longevity in both partners at a time when there were different social expectations and a significantly lower divorce rate. Mutual respect, patience, and kindness towards one another are key factors combined with the willingness to compromise, practice effective communication, and a belief that marriage is a team effort. Shared values, quick conflict resolution, and the simple enjoyment of one another’s company are huge factors as well. Finally, a shared faith, a supportive family, and strong social ties provide an anchor for weathering life’s difficulties.
   But Gene and Helen Morrow’s circumstances are even more rare than just the length of their marriage. Even in their 90s they are able to live by themselves in their own home. Helen still does her own household chores, and she and Gene continue active participation in a bowling league in St. Paul, a pastime they have enjoyed for more than 50 years, although Helen mostly serves as coach and cheerleader these days.
   They both continue to be extremely healthy for their ages even though Gene has had a stent put in and Helen has had three pacemakers. She also suffered a bout of meningitis which landed her in the ICU for a time and almost claimed her life but she made a full recovery. “I am so thankful,” Helen commented. Obviously, God still had work for her to do. She attributes their unusually good health to great genetics, wholesome food, outdoor farm exercise, and a strong foundation in their Christian faith. They have been members of the Chalkhills Community Church in Scotia for many, many years.
   Gene and Helen met in Ericson when he and his best buddy, Marvin Gydesen, went cruising in Gene’s brand new, shiny 1950 Chevy. Helen was with a friend of hers “just minding our own business” when Gene and Marv walked out of what would eventually become known as The Hungry Horse. Did they get “hit by the thunderbolt?" Was it love at first sight? “Well, I really liked his car,” Helen laughs. “And he looked pretty good too.” The twinkle in Gene’s eye is unmistakable as he fondly pats her hand.
   He was 19 years old and she was only 17 when they married on Jan. 10, 1951 in Neligh, NE where her folks were living at the time. It was a quiet ceremony in the parsonage surrounded by family. The couple honeymooned in Little Rock, AR and when they returned they settled about one mile from where they currently reside.
   They farmed close to 2,000 acres with a cattle herd of 150 head depending on the year. Helen became his true partner working alongside Gene on the farm, feeding cattle, calving out, milking cows, raising hogs, cooking for 10-plus hired men over the years and taking meals to the field. Their “date nights” consisted of driving the pastures checking cattle and fences. She never expected life to be any different.
   She remembers milking on a day when she wore a long skirt even though she typically donned “pedal pushers” for chores. (You can ask your grandmothers what those were). One of the cows literally kicked her entire skirt off! (And there’s that mischievous gleam in Gene’s eyes again). That was the end of Helen’s milking days but she still enjoyed going into Scotia on Saturday nights to sell cream, shop at Bredthauer’s Department Store, pick up any necessary groceries, and visit with friends and neighbors. The entire town came alive on Saturday nights.
   You might never guess that Gene Morrow is a romantic at heart. He lovingly holds his wife’s hand every single day. One Valentine’s Day he even gave her some buffalo. Yes, you read that right. Buffalo. (I bet that only happened once!) Not exactly a box of chocolates but they decided to eat leaner meat anyway so, in his defense, his heart was in the right place. Eventually their buffalo herd grew to 60 head, literally a fencing nightmare for anyone who’s ever tried to raise them. One year, Gene got an unexpected ride when an old buffalo bull hooked his belt with a horn and he suffered a broken shoulder. I’m guessing that was the end of the buffalo herd.
   Gene sold seed as well, through Cargill Seed Company and won Third Place in a National Competition for his #949 seed that yielded 211.53 bushels/acre. Through this side hustle he and Helen were able to enjoy a free trip to Hawaii and two to the Bahamas. They also took family trips to Yellowstone National Park, Sequoia National Forest in California, and White Sands, NM. “It’s been fun,” they both agreed. Gene has also won the Governor’s Conservation Citation in 1968, the Greeley-Wheeler Conservation Award also in 1968, as well as a Certificate of Merit for terraces and a tree windbreak planted in 1966.
   Gene and Helen Morrow went on to have four children: Sharon, Tammy, Ed, and Tracy although their lives were touched by tragedy when the youngest, Tracy, was killed in an automobile accident at the age of 15. They now have six grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. Sharon, their oldest daughter, helps her parents by doing any necessary driving, keeping track of their schedule and appointments, sharing meals frequently, and checking on their well-being every day. A grandson, Ed’s boy Lance, also helps out whenever needed. As the patriarch and matriarch of the extended Morrow clan, Gene and Helen are always together and are always included in family gatherings, celebrations, and continue to be the foundation on which the family was built.

   To read more on the Morrow's, pick up your copy of this week's Quiz!