A Special Section Focusing on Senior Lifestyles
MATURELifestyles Positive Outllook
December 2014
Couple married 73 years serves as a tribute to wedded bliss BY SUE WEBBER CONTRIBUTING WRITER He grew up in Minneapolis, where his dad owned a grocery story. She came from St. Paul, the daughter of a Jewish cantor. They met on a blind date, at a party. They’ve been together ever since. On Oct. 21, Don and Helen Rosen of Edina celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary, a proud testament to strong family values. The secret to their long union? “I never said no,” Don quipped. “We haven’t had a fight yet. I’m very happy with the way things turned out.” Adds daughter Bonnie Engler, “No matter where they’re sitting, they’re holding hands. Once in a while, dad sneaks a kiss.” The Rosens started married life in north Minneapolis, and in the early 1960s moved to St. Louis Park, where they raised a son and three daughters. They lived there until 2009, when they moved to an assisted living facility in St. Louis Park and most recently to an English Rose Suites home in Edina. “Mom always liked to keep busy, always on the go,” Bonnie said. “She was a wonderful cook. She made a beautiful dinner every Friday night, and the whole family was there.” Don loved photography. “He always went everywhere with a camera,” Bonnie said. “He made copies of the photos for everyone. We’ve got boxes and boxes of pictures.” As a couple, the Rosens were involved in theatre and in activities at Beth El Synagogue, Bonnie said. “My sister started a theater group, and mom and dad were the stars,” Bonnie said. “My best memories are being such a close family,” Bonnie said. “We celebrated every birthday and every holiday. It was all about family. To this day, if there’s something for the family, my kids
Bonnie Engler (center) spent an afternoon visiting with her parents, Helen and Don Rosen. (Photo by Sue Webber) are there.” Family, community and education always were the priorities, according to Bonnie. “Family was always number one, and then giving back to the community,” she said. A big part of family glue and solidarity came from the family-owned dry cleaning business. Don served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was stationed in France. When he came home, he worked at Vic Manufacturing setting up dry cleaning plants.
“He started his career at Pilgrim Cleaners in the early 1950s and watched their growth for over 60 years,” Bonnie said. “Dad initiated the first ‘Coats For Kids’ drive 29 years ago.” “Dad always believed in giving back to the community, both in his private and business life,” Bonnie said. “Rotary served this purpose, and he was involved in Rotary for more than 25 years. At work and in his personal life, he was very generous with people.” Next year Pilgrim will celebrate 75 years in business, she said.
“I worked with my father for 20 years and then he sold me the business,” Bonnie said. “Three generations now lead our success. My son, Derek Engler, is president of our Home and Office Pick Up and Delivery. My brother, Larry Rosen, works with maintenance and compliance plant operations.” Helen and Don enjoyed traveling and for many years spent winters at a condo in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Now, at 93, Helen suffers from ROSEN - TO PAGE 6