Local couple to celebrate anniversary in a special way

A Hollister couple will soon celebrate a remarkable milestone event. Lillian and George Christoffersen have been married 70 years.

Lillian was born and raised in the Chicago area. George, who was born in Nebraska, moved to Chicago with his parents in 1948.

The couple, who met and fell in love in Chicago, were both just 18 at the time they were wed.

Lillian shared her memories of that special day, June 16, 1956, noting, "It was great. I wore a nice, long, white gown–a wedding dress. We got married at a Lutheran Church."

Following their marriage, George was in charge of a large credit collection department for Allied Radio, and Lillian was employed as a dictaphone operator.  Soon the young couple started a family. The union brought George and Lillian  three sons–Ricky Dean, Dana Jason and Jesse Daniel.

George and Lillian relocated to the Branson-Hollister area in 1986. 

"We had come here for vacation a couple of times," said Lillian, of their decision to move to the Ozarks. "People were very warm and friendly."

"We set a God-fearing example for our children," noted George. "We have two children that have been married over 25 years each. Our other son has not yet married. That's probably the most important thing that we've done. We had rules.  You ask Mom, and if she says no, don't you dare ask me. Everybody tried it one time. And there was no arguing with your parents, ever."

Lillian added, "Our oldest son is retired from the military, 29 years. He became the Commander of the Coast Guard Station in Eureka, California. Jesse is a computer graphic artist and does animation. Dana is a painter. He works for Branson Paint Company. Both Jesse and Dana graduated from College of the Ozarks."

Said George, "We're proud of our kids."

George and Lillian are now the grateful grandparents to 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, as well. A special family member, who is like a daughter to George and Lillian, is Melody, who is employed as a cook at a university in Kansas City. Melody has three children, bringing the total number of Christoffersen grandchildren to 14.

The couple has a favorite tradition that will be a part of this year's anniversary celebration, with a little twist. Said George, "Every major anniversary–25th, 50th, 60th, we have renewed our vows. This will be our fourth time renewing our vows.   I asked the pastor to ask all of the married couples in our church to join us and exchange their vows with us."

The special vow renewal ceremony will be held on Father's Day, June 21, at Calvary Baptist Church in Branson.

With so many years of marriage under their belts, Lillian and George both shared their secret behind their 70 years of wedded bliss.

Lillian answered; simply, "Love."

George had a two-word answer for his secret to a long and happy marriage– "Yes, Dear."