Seven decades of love still going strong

Their love for each other is evident.

Despite their quivering strides and frail hands, the strength and purity of their love shine through as proof that a forever kind of love does indeed exist.

Read: Newcastle’s very own love story hits the silver screen

Their simple, yet complex bond spans a lifetime of joy and happiness for the couple. Still inseparable today, they faced life’s challenges head-on.

It was in Klawer, Northern Cape, where Gert Johannes Coetzee and Engela Elizabeth de Kock first met in 1941. The 21-year-old dashing lad visited the town and went to church, when he locked eyes with the pastor’s 14-year-old daughter. He instantly knew he was staring at his entire future.

The couple entered in holy matrimony on November 8, 1946, and today, 70 years later, 96-year-old Mr Coetzee and 89-year-old Mrs Coetzee still revere the sanctity of their special bond.

Over the years, they were blessed with three sons, three daughters, 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Mr Coetzee had been a farmer before he joined the ministry, pastoring 14 congregations for 52 years. As the perfect wife, Mrs Coetzee supported his decision to join the ministry and travel the country, spreading the word of God. She was determined to be the best pastor’s wife she could be, concentrating on motivational speaking and the upliftment of women.

Related article: For the love of Edward, the Joubert family look for a brighter tomorrow

Mr Coetzee said he loved his wife just as much as he did 70 years ago. “We always respected and tolerated each other, listened before we acted, and in every decision we made, we were always each other’s priority,” said Mr Coetzee.

Mrs Coetzee said her husband was a good leader, a great father, and an amazing husband, and she would marry him again in any lifetime.

This perfect couple have no regrets as they believe their lives have been fulfilling and prosperous. Their biggest fear is losing each other and living life alone, because their entire relationship has been a fairy tale come true.

They cherish the times they spend with their children, and travel the country to visit them. They are currently in Newcastle with their son and daughter-in-law, Marinus and Christie Coetzee who said their parents were the epitome of what a couple should be.

Mr and Mrs Coetzee’s recipe to such a successful marriage is serving one another, always working together, accepting and understanding each other and believing in love and trust.

“When couples get divorced, it affects the couple, their parents and children. The pain is not just between the two, and biblically it is not a solution because what God puts together, will always stay together. So to those troubled couples, always remember persistence and tolerance can save a marriage,” concluded Mr Coetzee.

Also read: Spread The Love Campaign presents the Street Diski Cup