04/10/2026
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Sisters from Albion, NE are celebrating a huge milestone this month. Marie Krohn turns 100 and her big sister --- Rita Seaman hits 105!
They're in for a big treat on April 11th. The family is throwing them a party complete with a polka band, soft-serve scoops and a room full of well wishers.
Siblings reaching 100 together is extraordinarily rare. They were born on the family farm east of Cedar Rapids, NE in a home where 5 sisters shared one room. The family prayed before every meal.
Marie remembers ice cream when it cost .05¢ a cone. She has 20 grandkids, 42 great-grandkids, and 4 great-great-grands. She still plays bridge 3-4 times a week.
Rita (the one turning 105) now full time in Arizona, still lives at home and does most of the cooking and cleaning herself.
PLANNING THE PARTY:
"The idea of a Polka party came to me last year as we were celebrating birthdays. I told Marie and Rita that if they make it to the big years of 100 and 105, I would get a Polka band. So the band is coming! They love the music and wish they could dance to it the way they remember dancing. They can still tap and jiggle around, just not as much as they'd like to." Marie & Rita's Niece
(Full story coming soon in the Bright Side—wait till you hear about their Charleston marathons!)
Nebraska's incredible history when it comes to longevity:
In February of 2026, twin sisters from Broken Bow turned 100. Wanda & Wilma Johnson.
In 2021, we had the oldest person in America. Her name was Thelma Sutcliffe, from Omaha. She reached the age of 115. She was also active in her later years, even driving at 97.
In 2007, Valentine, NE, was home to Helen Stetter, who lived to be 113 years + 195 days. At her death, she was the 4th oldest person in the world.
In 2000, Schuyler was home to Clara Herling Huhn, who was a "supercentenarian" and validated as one of the top 70 oldest persons in the world. She lived to be 113 years + 326 days. She "remained active, healthy, and independent" up until her final months.
And in 1955, Tecumseh was home to the oldest person in the world. Betsy Russell Baker. She lived to be 113 + 65 days.
Happy happy birthday Marie & Rita!
