Ninety-nine years old, and still finishing each other’s advice.
Betty and Kermit Eastman of St. Cloud recently both turned 99, and on June 6 they celebrated an even rarer milestone, 80 years of marriage.
Their oak anniversary puts them in a very small group. On average, only one US couple each year reaches the 80-year mark. Globally, it is estimated that only one in 6 million couples lives long enough to celebrate eight decades together.
Their story started in Thief River Falls, where Betty moved into the neighborhood and caught Kermit’s attention.
“I remember one time her dad said to her, ‘I wonder what that Eastman boy is doing walking up and down the sidewalk,'” Kermit said, according to WCCO.
Betty said what first stood out to her was his work ethic.
“He had a lawnmowing business when he was really young,” she said.
Before they could build much of a life together, Kermit left high school to join the Navy during World War II. His ship, the U.S.S. Mullany, was struck by a Japanese kamikaze pilot.
“We were hit by a suicide plane,” Kermit said. “We lost quite a few guys. About 20, I think.”
After the war, the two married and both returned to finish high school.
“My senior year, well, I was married,” Kermit said.
They also went to prom together as a married couple.
After college, they settled in St. Cloud, where Kermit worked as a superintendent. They raised two children and now have five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
The family celebrated the anniversary at their daughter’s house.
Asked about the secret to 80 years together, Betty kept it simple.
“Just don’t keep secrets and be honest,” Betty said.
Kermit agreed.
“Tell it like it is,” Kermit said. “Just live every day. Every day is a gift.”
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