05/30/2026
Time to ask Gerry & Sandy about 25 years of marriage:
The Early Days
• Do you remember the exact moment you knew the other was 'the one'?
o Sandy – one night after we were talking on the phone I realized I was falling for him. I was so afraid of getting my heart broke again so I prayed and asked God for a sign that Gerry was the one. I then shut my eyes, opened my bible, and did a point and read. The verse I read was from Colossians 2:9-10 “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily and you are complete in Him”. That’s when I knew he was the one.
o Gerry – I had been praying for my helpmate since 14 that I would know who she was because she’d be the first one to ask me to pray with her. She did.
• What is your favorite memory of your wedding day? Also, where was it held, what year, who married you
o Sandy - There were so many memories that made our day special. We had so many friends and family that came from literally all over the country to share our day that made it so perfect. We were married in the Minneapolis church on May 20, 2001. The Apostle Orlofski officiated.
o Gerry – there was no cake
• What is something you argued about during your first year of marriage that you can laugh about now?
o Sandy – not really an argument but when we first got married and moved in together I asked Gerry what kind of vegetables he liked, so I knew what to cook. What I heard him say was “I don’t like anything but corn”. For WEEKS all I made was corn every. single. night. One night his cousin was coming over for dinner and Gerry said to him, “I hope you like corn because that’s all we have.” I told him that’s because Gerry said he didn’t like anything but corn. Gerry said, “No, I said I like everything but corn.” I don’t think we had corn for a few years after that.
o Gerry – cant remember
• How has your relationship changed since the day you got married?
o The better question is how hasn’t it changed. We’ve grown and changed.
Wisdom & Secrets to 25 Years
• What is the best piece of relationship advice you've ever received?
o Sandy – the Apostle said in our wedding service that the most important thing is to keep our Heavenly Father right in the middle of our marriage.
• How has your faith impacted your marriage?
o When we are active, truly active, in our faith and in church we as a are the strongest. Even now as we go to different congregations because of our church responsibilities, we are stronger as individuals, as a couple, and our marriage is the strongest.
• What is one thing you still appreciate about each other every single day?
o Sandy – I appreciate his kind and giving heart. He is so willing, without reservation, to give of himself for others. Whether that is visiting members in the congregation or giving the last dollar in his wallet to a stranger who asks for money. I also appreciate the way he loves me and our family.
• What do you think is the reason for longevity in your marriage?
We have kept the most important thing the most important thing, and that is our faith. He has truly gotten us through so many things. We’ve had challenges, changes, difficult seasons, and beautiful moments and our Heavenly Father has been there with us for all of it.
Looking Ahead
• What is the best part about growing old together?
o Well since we are new empty nesters, it’s learning how to be a couple again. Our favorite moments are when we just get in the van with the dogs and go for a drive to see a new beautiful part of our state that we’ve never seen before.
• What is a dream or goal you still want to achieve together?
o To build our dream home out in the country. And, I think to travel abroad more.
• If you could write a love letter to each other right now, what would it say? (this can be brief, doesn't need to be a full letter) 🙂
o Sandy – My Shiney, thank you for loving me. I love how you love me. Thank you for walking through this beautiful life we’ve created with me. Thank you for your spiritual leadership in our family. Thank you for our beautiful children; Ariana, Nicholas, and Bianca. I would not be who I am today without you. I love you so much and I am so grateful that God picked you. I can’t wait to see what our future holds and where it will lead us in this next stage of life. But whatever it is, I know I’d not want to be anywhere else but by your side. To God and Back!
