News : Bakers renew wedding vows on 62nd anniversary

Clifford & Virginia Baker pose for pics after renewing their vows on their 62nd anniversary May 25.

As children living in Dysart, Clifford Baker and Virginia "Ginny" Nass grew up across the railroad tracks from each other. The childhood friends later became sweethearts. On May 25, 1949 -- the 25th wedding anniversary of Ginny's parents, Theodore and Amanda Nass -- Cliff and Ginny were married in Dysart.

On Wednesday, May 25, 2011, the couple celebrated their 62nd anniversary with a renewal of their wedding vows at Windsor Manor.

Dozens of the couple's nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great nephews and friends filled the cafeteria for a wedding-like ceremony. They entered the room as the song "One Day at a Time" filled the room, accompanied by niece Robyn Garbes and her husband Noel. Robyn and Noel also kept the family wedding tradition; May 25, 2011, is their 23rd wedding anniversary.

"They never had any children of their own but they were always like grandparents to me and all of us nieces and nephews," said Robyn Garbes after the ceremony. "They spoiled me."

Another nephew, John Brandt of Dysart, performed the ceremony. He mentioned the May 25 date several times as he led the couple through the renewal of their vows.

Garbes said her mother died when she was young and Virginia became a like a grandmother to all of her siblings' children. As the last of the surviving of the Nass siblings, Virginia now fills the role of grandmother to all of her nieces and nephews and their children, Garbes said.

"I remember fishing with them, making applesauce with an old-fashioned masher, and mostly just having them there play with us, and to listen," said Garbes.

After getting married, the couple lived in Dysart while Cliff worked at John Deere and Ginny worked as a school secretary. After retirement, they would spent the winters in Texas.

The couple moved to Windsor Manor in 2008; Garbes and her family organized a 60th anniversary celebration for them there two years ago.

The couple's 62-year history was told in photos and albums set up on a table. After the ceremony, they spent time with the dozens of relatives who were able to attend.