Growing old together

Couple will celebrate 80th anniversary later this year

By Zada Engen of Alexandria

Art and Frances Hebert,  Memorial Weekend. Contributed photo

Today, about half of all marriages will end in divorce, with about a quarter of those marriages lasting less than nine years. In addition, the average American life expectancy is approximately 81 years for women, and 76 years for men. Art and Frances Hebert have defied all of those odds. The Argyle, Minn. residents are both 97 years old and have been married for nearly 80 years. Being married that long is a one in six million occurrence, according to online sources.

Art and Frances’ life story together is a testament to their faith in each other and in God. The couple met through mutual relationships, as Art was a good friend of Frances’ brother. They dated for one year before being married on a Tuesday morning, December 30, 1946, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Argyle. It was a very cold, wintery day. They recall it being the worst storm of the year. Afterwards they had a breakfast celebration at the home of a relative and a nice supper at the farm later that night. Then followed by a dance at the city hall.

Shortly after they tied the knot, Art and Frances lived in the Twin Cities area for work and later moved back home to Argyle to pursue farming. Together, the couple had nine children, including a set of twins; Robert, Jean, Joanne, Debra, Dale, Scott, Michael, Roger, and Gary. All were raised on the farm near Argyle. They were taught a hard work ethic and to know the value of a dollar.

Five generations of ladies in the Hebert family, starting on the left with Frances. Contributed photo

Their neighbors about five miles down the road, the Bergerons, had 13 children. Together the two families had enough children for football and baseball teams. You could always find  the Heberts and the Bergerons outside in the farm yards playing games and enjoying the company of each other.

Six of the nine Hebert children are still living today. In 1972, Michael was enlisted in the Army and stationed in Hawaii. He loved island life, and had a passion for surfing. One day, Art and Frances were given notice that Michael was missing. He had gone out on a surfing expedition and never returned to shore. To this day, his body has never been recovered.

“Everyone in the family took it hard,” Frances remembered.

Art and Frances Hebert wedding photo. They were married December 30, 1946, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Argyle. Contributed photo

In 1978, tragedy struck the family once again. Roger and one of the fellow Bergeron children, along with two others, were all killed in a car accident just a few miles outside of Argyle. Roger was driving when he fell asleep at the wheel and drove into a culvert. Alcohol was not involved. Neither the Bergerons, nor the other two grieving families, hold resentment towards Roger, or Art and Frances, for the deaths of their children.

A quadruple funeral was held at the Argyle High School. Frances remembers it being a very special, heartfelt funeral. The group were the best of friends, always together. They all attended Argyle High School and St. Rose Church. In 2016, Gary passed away after succumbing to a battle with cancer.

Art and Frances Hebert on their 79th wedding anniversary. Contributed photo

The Heberts said being so close and tight-knit with one another has helped them stay strong in the sad times. Art and Frances are eternally grateful for the short years they had as a family of 11, and reflect on the good memories often. Laughter is definitely a favorite remedy. Just about every time the family is together, something is mentioned about one of the boys that have passed. The family loves to keep their spirits alive.

The Heberts give much credit to their faith and the Lord as one of the “secrets” to their marriage and long-lasting lives. Their children recall praying the rosary, while kneeling every night during Lent in childhood. Going to Mass every Sunday was a part of the family’s routine.

Today, the Hebert’s family tree continues to grow. With nine children, 23 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Art is currently in care at North Star Manor, in Warren, Minn. Frances is living independently in a small apartment in Argyle. The family makes it a point to gather often, with everyone living within a two-hour radius. They enjoy cooking meals and playing cards together, and there’s always time for Pinochle, a family staple.