Anniversary Date: June 3, 1959

Love Story: Rev. John Russell and Colleen (Bonderson) Russell met September 1959 during the first week of their senior year at Midland. Love blossomed immediately and within six weeks of dating they were already talking about a wedding. They pledged their life and love to each other in marriage on June 3, 1959, at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Emerson, Nebraska, just a week following their 1959 Midland graduation. Inseparable through life, after 56+ years of marriage they died within five days of each in February 2016. Midland forever held a special place in their hearts.