ROCKFORD, Ill., Sept. 17 Monetary considerations won out over long-term love when a 98-year-old Illinois man popped the question to his 80-year-old fiancee.
Stanley Stark and Harriet Brown, both of Rockford, Ill., tied the knot Sunday after knowing each other for 11 years and living together for the last three, the Rockford Register-Star reported Monday.
The two "thought there was no point in getting married" Brown said until Stark wondered whether she would receive his Social Security checks after he died. Yes, he was told, if they were married.
The two, who knew each other from church, became a couple after their spouses died, accompanying each other on trips and social events,. the newspaper said.
Stark's sons and Brown's two sons stood with the couple during the ceremony. Steve Stark described the wedding as "awesome," the Register-Star said.
"Here's how I look at it: How many sons get to give their father away?" Stark asked.
Copyright 2007 by UPI
