HALES CORNERS, Wis.— The Zimmermans start their mornings with a cup of coffee, the newspaper and, of course, puzzles. After 70 years together, they've got their routine down pat.
Irene and John met in 1949. It was love at first sight.
"I said, 'That's the girl I am going to marry,'" John said. "And that's what happened."
The couple got married young: Irene was 18 years old and John was 20. At the time, John was serving in the Air Force. Over the last 70 years, the pair have been inseparable. But their love hasn't come without its challenges.
In fact, those started day one, yet they've always found a way to beat the odds.
John's father refused to sign the marriage certificate that allowed them to get married. He was convinced "it wouldn't last." So John turned to his mom, who did the honor instead.
Years later, Irene was diagnosed with breast cancer at 65 years old. She got the same news again when she turned 80— both times conquering cancer and earning a clean bill of health.
Five years ago, she was diagnosed with bladder cancer. It's been a long, half-decade battle, but she is happy to say she is finally cancer-free.
All personal trials and tribulations aside, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, "fewer than 6% of marriages endure 50 years, and no statistics exist for marriages that make it to 75 [years], because the incidence is so rare." Census data from 2009 listed that only 0.1% of marriages made it to 70 years.
So their new goal? To make it to that immeasurable 75-year mark.
"Time does go fast," Irene said.
In that time, they've welcomed four kids, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren into their lives, and hearts.
Their family knew they had to celebrate their love in a big way this year. So they threw them a surprise anniversary party at the American Legion in Oak Creek. It's the same place they got married.
While American Legion could not find the official records, they said they believe Irene and John were the first to get married there.
On their 70th anniversary, they renewed their vows at the party, with their longtime pastor, and whole family, by their side.
It was easy to see their family loves the love they have for one another. Irene and John hope their family will follow in their footsteps, attributing their long-lasting love to communication, hard work, a foundation of friendship and God.
"We've done everything as God allows us to do it," Irene said.
God gave them a companion— and best friend— in one another.
“Be a companion to each other. Eventually, you will grow to be best friends. He will grow to be my best friend and I'll be his best friend in life,” Irene said when Spectrum News 1 asked her what advice she would give to young couples.
Their love story is seven decades in the making. After all of that time, John doesn't hesitate to profess his love to his bride, saying, without hesitation, he loves everything about her.
"I have loved her from the very beginning. I love her now. And I guess I will always love her,” he said.
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