Grayslake Couple Celebrates 70th Anniversary

What a milestone!

Harold "Hal" Weibel, 91, and his wife, Erma, 89, of Grayslake, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Dec. 23.

The couple married in 1942 in Tyler, Texas, after Erma took the train to visit Hal for the Christmas holiday during his Army training.

Hal, a WWII Army captain who fought during the liberation of France, told his bride-to-be that she couldn't come out to visit him unless she was prepared to get hitched.

Hal is a decorated veteran with two Purple Hearts. In 2007, reported the Chicago Tribune, Hal was named a Knght of the Legion of Honor, which is the highest honor bestowed in France.

The couple's daughter-in-law, Carole Weibel, of Lake Forest, said Hal and Erma are well-known in the Grayslake community, and can often be spotted dining at the Triangle.

Hal, said Carole, is a Joliet native who had a long career managing auto dealerships.

"He still drives, has a photographic memory and always has the American flag outside."

Erma worked at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, formerly known as the Joliet Arsenal. At age 65, she earned an associate degree from Joliet Community College and worked for the state police department.

The couple has three children—Hal Jr., Doug and Sandy, seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren with another on the way.

Congratulations Hal and Erma!