Albert Lea’s own Brady Bunch romance

Published 9:37 am Friday, February 6, 2015

Editors note: Judy Menssen was the winner of the Tribune’s Romancing the Heart contest. She will receive a $50 gift card to Crescendo of Albert Lea.

Back in the ’70s, a good man lost his wife. He had five little boys, ages 8 to 2. At the same time, a vibrant young lady was raising a daughter.

Allen and Judy Menssen found each other at a church potluck. The love they shared lasted 36 years.

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Allen passed away in 2011. Judy has written many interesting memories, newlyweds with six kids! The first week of marriage the kids all had the flu; a young mother going from one child to six sick ones!

Judy wrote to the Tribune on Father’s Day, a wonderful example of everlasting love.

 

Happy Father’s Day to all the daddies ( originally published June 24, 2010)

This is the time of year to wish a “Happy Father’s Day” to all the dads, grandfathers, uncles and husbands. We hope all of you will have a great day and know you are appreciated and loved. It takes character to raise a family, get up early every day to go to work and earn a living and set a good example. It takes energy and time to support the kids in all their school and church activities. It’s not an easy job!

When Allen and I got married, I told him it’d be nice if we had a baby together because everybody in our family would be related to the new baby. Allen said, “No way. I’m too tired to have another one.”

All six kids were so happy and relieved we weren’t going to have another kid. They said, “That would wreck everything and spoil a good thing.”

We said, “What do you mean? We don’t understand how that’d spoil anything.”

The six kids explained “You see everything good comes in boxes of six, all our favorite treats: ice cream bars, popsicles, candy bars and gum! Think how hard it’d be to talk talk you into buying two boxes instead of one box!”

Again, “Happy Father’s Day” and a big thank you for all the dads and grandpas do and have done over the years. You’re the greatest! I sure miss my son, father and mother now.

 

Judy Menssen

Albert Lea