In 1983 Jerry and Gerda built a large home in Kirke-Lachen, the newest neighborhood in Victoria at the time.  Most of their children had left home, but the family gatherings had become much larger because of spouses and grand-children.
Today son Steve, a realtor, lives in Chaska with wife Kathy.  Together they have six children. 
David, a commercial artist, and wife Irene live in Shakopee.  They have two children.
Susan, executive director for Arc Hennepin Carver, and husband Doug Hines live in Victoria.  They have three children.
Bill, who works in fixtures and decorating, and wife Katherine live in Chaska.  They have four children.
Lisa, who had operated her own daycare center but now does houseclean-ing, and husband Ray Notermann live in Chaska.  They have five children.
Jean and husband Allen Schmieg live in Jordan with their two children.
Brenda, who works at Eaton, and husband Jeff Williams live in Excelsior with their two children.
Theresa and her three children live in Zimmerman, Minnesota.
In 1995 Jerry and Gerda moved from Kirke-Lachen to Orchid Street, where Gerda's housekeeping duties could be reduced.  Gerda retired from Kallestad in 1997, but Jerry continues to paint and wallpaper as he is so inclined.  "I learned to work too young and I can't get out of it," he said.
In looking back on their 50 years together, what do they appreciate most about the other?  "Her support," stated Jerry.  "Gerda is an extremely supportive person."
About her husband, Gerda said, "Everything.  He's just a special guy."
Have they met their goals?  "I don't think anybody does," said Jerry.  "I don't think most of the things I did, I ever planned in advance."
"I never had goals," said Gerda.  "I had a family to take care of.  I tried to be supportive, like Jerry says."
Have they advice for young married couples?  "Earn trust," said Jerry.  "If you can't be trusted, that's a big problem."  Repeated Gerda, "Be supportive of your husband."
Who are their heroes?  "My dad," said Jerry without hesitation.  "My dad had a great adaptability and he was com-passionate and fun.  He was adaptable to change.  A lot of people can't handle that.  And everything in moderation is the way to be.  We can't get excited about too many things."  George Schmieg died April 30^th, 1997.
Gerda's heroes?  "I never swooned over any movie stars.  Friends and family are more important to me than heroes."  It makes sense, then, that Jerry and Gerda took their eight children and spouses on a Mediterranean Cruise in February to cele-brate their special anniversary.
The Schmiegs have been on the same palette for 50 years now, mixing and matching colors, for better or for worse, in good times and in bad.  The primary colors have been expanded to include green and orange and purple and pink.  Shades of gray, the Schmiegs are not, for they continue to paint the town red.
Congratulations, Jerry and Gerda, and thank you for all the ways in which you have served, and continue to serve, the community.