Carl & Pauline celebrate

50 years together.

(seems like yesterday)

It’s not often we get to celebrate 50 years of anything these days, especially 50 years of a second marriage! That is what we get to do this month! It was 50 years ago that Carl Krukow and Pauline Everett (soon to be Krukow) said “I do” to each other for their second marriages. Each came to their second marriage with 3 children that would soon become what is now known as a blended family. None of us knew what to expect because in 1974, divorce and remarriage in a small midwestern town wasn’t common.

What was happening
in 1974

Mel Brooks' film Blazing Saddles was the top-grossing movie of 1974.

Major political disruptions, such as the resignation of United States President Richard Nixon following
the Watergate sex scandal

The inauguration of Gerald Ford as the 38th president of the United States was held on Thursday, August 9.

Patricia Hearst, 19-year-old daughter of publisher Randolph Hearst, kidnapped by Symbionese Liberation Army

The television sitcom Happy Days premiered on the ABC network.

Each child could write their own book on the last 50 years with Carl and Pauline, but today we wanted to update everyone on the last two years.

The Last Two Years

Two years ago, the youngest of the six children Polly (Everett) Krikorian made the decision to move back to Iowa from California. She left California and headed back to Iowa to be near her parents. Polly purchased a home in Charles City.

As Polly was preparing for her move to Iowa, her parents took a drive to Charles City to peek at her new home. Shortly after her parents visited the house, Polly received a call from Carl who informed her that her house was big enough for the three of them! It’s true, the house is big enough for three adults and a well-behaved sixty-pound rescue dog, Pico. Polly’s beloved sidekick. Insert “Spoiled Dog” here!

The house has a mostly finished lower level that Carl said he would update to make the lower level their home. Polly decided it was the right thing to do, so within a week of Polly moving to Charles City, Carl started the work on the lower level so they could join Polly in Charles City. Here’s where we will remind everyone that Carl took on this project solo at the age of 87! We have included pictures on this webpage of Carl’s great work! It wasn’t easy, but it turned out amazing!

We have each spent the last two years making Charles City our new hometown. Carl has found a senior bowling league at the Comet Bowl in Charles City. He also belongs to a pool league on Tuesday nights where Pauline tags along with a book to read.

They have also been fortunate to spend time with Harley and Linda Krukow who have made many trips to Charles City to spend time with Carl and Pauline.

They have been introduced to the senior center which is now called the community center. They meet wonderful people when they are out and about. The one thing that people can’t believe is that they are 88! These two are holding their age very well!

They do go to the local VFW now and then where they continue to make new friends. They are also very happy with Floyd County Medical Center where they have found a new doctor. No more trips to Mason City to see a doctor!

They have each found a wonderful “barber” Olivia that Carl has on speed dial when they need last minute haircuts! They make weekly trips to Fareway to shop for groceries.

That leads me to Pauline. What has she been doing the last two years? Same thing she’s always done! Pauline makes her way upstairs to the kitchen every morning. She “owns” the kitchen! Pauline still makes Carl three meals a day and bakes something sweet several times a week. I’ve never seen so much butter in my life! I’m an olive oil girl but will admit the butter tastes wonderful on a piece of toast!

We have also hosted family get togethers. Pauline can be found in the kitchen for HOURS the day before the company arrives cooking and baking. (And cleaning) She always sends everyone home with leftovers. She loves to cook and bake! It’s her happy place!

The other thing Pauline does when she’s not cooking or doing laundry is her beloved Facebook! Carl thinks she spends too much time on her computer. She does have her own office in their living quarters, so she’s never far from Carl.

In closing, I must mention their dog (my dog), Pico. Anyone that meets Pico understands she is my child. I spoil her like a human-being and she runs our house! Pico has provided love and companionship to Carl and Pauline that is truly unconditional from both sides. They love Pico and Pico loves them! Pico has her own chair downstairs, but she jumps into Carl’s recliner whenever he leaves the room. She also loves their king-sized bed which she prefers to unmake and get cozy most days. She goes down to their living quarters in the morning when I leave for work and gets in bed with them. Sometimes she stays in bed even after they get up for the day. Carl also feeds Pico whenever they sit down for meals. She has a spot in the kitchen right next to Carl! They are best friends!

We are all happy to be able to wish Happy 50th Anniversary to Carl and Pauline!
We have so many memories and wanted to share a little bit about the last two years of Carl and Pauline’s lives.

From the kids

Written by Polly Krikorian