'I built a house and she built a home': Sun City Center couple reflects on 80 years of marriage

SUN CITY CENTER, Fla. - Both a few years shy of their 100th birthdays, David and Gretchen Meixner are celebrating a milestone anniversary few ever reach.

Pictures reflect decades of good memories, but there are no wedding photos. The couple eloped on January 18, 1942.

Now living in Hillsborough County, Gretchen, now 98, and David, 97, met in high school in Pennsylvania. As David was going into the service, they decided to get married in Virginia.

"Our families did not know we were doing that particular weekend, so we did not have any pictures taken. They did not know until some time later," said Gretchen.

"I was all of 17, almost 18 and Gretchen was 18," recalled David. 

Gretchen said, due to their ages, their marriage certificate says they were both 21, making the certificate void.

"My children today are laughing because the ages on the certification for us we are both 21. So we're not married yet," said Gretchen.

David pointed out that, after 12 years together, their marriage is considered common-law.

"Oh, we giggle about that a little bit," said Gretchen.

Over the years, they've raised a family of six children, but their passion for each other never waned. Like any couple, they've navigated the ups and downs and they still remember the spark.

"We grew together. I built a house and she built a home," said David. "I think it's the commitment to each other. The commitment to the family worked for us."

"He was good-looking. He was very handsome. Still is, as a matter of fact," said Gretchen, adding, "Wish I could see him."

Her sight and hearing have declined over the years but she and her husband still do what they can to help others. 

"Right now because I don't see and can't hear I am busily knitting prayer shawls for my daughter's church," said Gretchen. "When you get married, you either make it or you don't and that's strictly between two people and so far. We've been very fortunate."

And they say they're always grateful.

"Every day, when my feet hit the floor I say, ‘Thank you for another day,’" Gretchen said. "It's been a good ride and if it rides to 81, that's fine. If it doesn't, that's fine too."