Seventy years of marriage is a remarkable milestone. As we celebrate the extraordinary union of Wally and Lorraine Lund (7th Ward), it's worth reflecting on the events and changes that have unfolded throughout their lives, gleaning lessons on enduring love, commitment and faith as we go. 

With a backdrop of the Great Depression set in Shelton, Washington, Wally’s mother fell down the stairs in the snow, resulting in his birth, 3 months early, weighing 3 pounds 8 ounces. In 1933 the medical interventions were not what they are today. So Wally, the miracle baby, attributes his survival to the love and determination of his mother. Wally’s adolescence was marked by WWII, but more so by the mentorship of his carpenter father, with whom he built houses every summer, and the faith of his mother, who kept Wally and his younger sister attending church every week in their tiny branch. Wally was the only Aaronic Priesthood holder in their congregation for many years and served as branch clerk at the age of 16. Wally also devoted his school years to playing the trombone in the marching and concert bands, and spent weeks at a time camping in the mountains. 

In the next state over, and two years later, Lorraine was another miracle baby of the Great Depression. Born in Lebanon, Oregon, to a mother with a poor heart who was told not to have children, and a father who did logging and dam construction. Lorraine and her brother were raised on the belief that change is just another opportunity to make new friends. Following wherever her father’s jobs took him, she attended three different third grade classes. WWII actually kept them in San Diego for a while and then they settled back in Lebanon Oregon where she was in the Pep Club and Rainbow for Girls (a part of the Masons). Lorraine’s grandparents had been inactive in the church and her parents had never been baptized. While living in San Diego, a friend baptized Lorraine, though she was mostly inactive. 

After serving in the Navy during the Korean War, Wally found himself at Oregon State University. While on the swim team and pledging for a fraternity, Wally was in need of a date for the Valentine’s dance. His roommate’s girlfriend set him up with Lorraine. Not wanting to attend the dance with a stranger, they arranged to meet earlier in the day. They chatted all afternoon and nearly missed dinner before the Valentine’s dance as they made such connections as both being inactive but baptized members of the church. They married soon after, on June 13, 1954 in a Presbyterian church where a friend’s father was a pastor. 

Wally began teaching delinquent and special needs youth in a Crescent City, CA high school. Soon a daughter came along, then a son. Wally felt strongly that if a boy were in the home, then he’d better have the priesthood. So Lorraine and Wally began going to church, and never looked back. They were sealed in the LA temple in 1960. More kids joined in the fun as years went by.

Fond family memories include noisy dinners, and beach picnics where they would toss the kids from the sand dunes. They moved from California to North Bend, Oregon. When the doctor recommended an arid climate for Wally’s sinuses, they moved to Ogden where they’ve been since 1977. 

They’ve each served in every organization at every branch/ward/district/stake level, as well as teaching seminary and serving in the temple. At one time Lorraine had 7 callings, while all 5 kids were at home and both parents were working. They loved being a big part of a small branch. Their joyful gospel living became contagious. Wally’s father joined the church, as did Lorraine’s parents. They were able to be sealed and celebrate in continuing eternal family bonds. 

Since their marriage in 1954 they’ve seen geopolitical shifts of the Cold War era and the Civil Rights Movement. They’ve witnessed the advent of the digital age and the exploration of space, the rise and fall of nations, the dawn of the internet, and unprecedented advancements in science and medicine. Through the decades, their steadfast partnership has been a constant in an ever changing world, embodying love that has seen both tranquility and turbulence.

It’s easy to see how their marriage has not just survived seven decades, but thrived. Even now, as they face the hardships of aging, they do so with mutual respect and an air of lightheartedness. To sit in their company is to feel like family. The way they play off each other in conversation, laugh easily and are quick to compliment one another makes you feel at ease. Their enjoyment of a shared life shines through in the way they handle even mundane tasks.

Their formula for success is best summarized in their own words:

“Dear Brothers and sisters,

Thank you for your support for Wally and me.  We love you.

About 70 years of marriage-

Love one another and the gospel.

Choose your spouse wisely.

There will be disagreements- be kind and be calm (it works every time).

Have fun - laugh a lot - enjoy each other.

Be empathetic to your spouse’s feelings. Don’t think yours are more important. 

Be friends with your in-laws, they can become your best friends. 

Have shared interests - it makes life exciting. 

Lastly, remember to say “I love you” often.

Perhaps reading Elder Matthew L. Carpenters address in April conference entitled “Fruit That Remains” is a good idea, too! 

We love you! Wally and Lorraine Lund”