On Aug. 5, 1973, Marshall Bowers and Lois Burghart were united in marriage at the Hutchinson Seventh-day Adventist Church in Minnesota. This is old news now, but after 50 years, it is worthy of a celebration. On Aug. 5, 2023, in the Maplewood Academy Library, the Bowers and Burghart families gathered with all siblings and spouses together.
The Burghart side of the family not only acknowledged this event but are very aware that they have much to be grateful for. It was during this event that the family discovered something wonderful. All five children of Orville and Lucille Burghart, (Judy, Beverly, David, Ramona and Lois), have now been married to their spouses for more than 50 years.
Maplewood Academy, affectionately known as MWA, has long been an institution that not only imparts academic knowledge but also fosters values that transcend generations. Seventh-day Adventist education has always held the goal of preparing young people not just for their future careers, but for a lifelong committed relationship with Christ. To that end, faith, commitment and perseverance are values that Maplewood Academy continues to instill in its graduates.
David Burghart, a proud MWA graduate, married his wife Verna (Rudyk) Burghart in 1969 after meeting at Union College. Bruce and Ramona (Burghart) Nelson, both products of MWA’s nurturing environment, exchanged vows in 1968. Chuck and Beverly (Burghart) Peck, married in 1964, met while attending MWA, and Larry and Judy (Burghart) Bromme also found love during their time at MWA, marrying in 1960.
Remarkably, of the five couples, comprising ten individuals, eight graduated from MWA, a testament to the enduring impact of the academy’s values. Their lives are living proof that faith, commitment and perseverance are the cornerstones of a lasting and fulfilling marriage. Their stories showcase the beauty of shared dreams, unwavering commitment, and the impact of an education that goes beyond the classroom.
