Peoria Standard

Windsor of Savoy couple keep the laughter going and love strong in their new community

At almost 85 years old, Betty and Gary Wiseman, residents of Windsor of Savoy, are continuing to share their lives together, celebrating milestones and Valentine’s Day in 2023.

“I remember exactly how I met her,” Gary said. They met in fifth grade after the North and South elementary schools of their hometown came together.

At Christmas, they sung Christmas carols in the halls, and shared caroling books because there weren’t enough for everyone. “I asked my friends, ‘Who’s the girl in the blue velveteen dress?’, and I still remember that dress." They became friends and began dating at age 15.

Later on, Betty became a laboratory technician at an outpatient clinic after graduating from Gradwohl School of Laboratory Technique. Gary was studying at the University of Illinois. In 1958, at age 20, the Wisemans married.

“Gary’s story has always been that he married me because he ran out of money to finish his degree and knew this girl who had a job, savings account and a ’54 Ford,” said Betty.

“I said let’s go to Terre Haute and get some rings,” said Gary.

“That statement was his way of proposing, I guess,” said Betty jokingly. “Romantic that he is.” Gary later completed his teaching degree at Indiana State University. They have two children and four grandchildren. 

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