Married for 75 years without a single fight: US Christian couple gets media's attention

An elderly Christian couple from Wisconsin was featured on Time magazine and other US media recently when they revealed to a local news network that they never had even a single argument in their 75 years of blissful marriage.

Arlene and Richard Baughman, age 96 and 97, respectively, got married in 1940 or two years before World War II, and until now they remain as deeply in love and committed to each other as during their first day together as husband and wife.

"If we had differences we just talked about it," said Richard.

"We always said, we didn't have dishes to throw or shoes to throw because we couldn't afford it. So, we had to get along!" Arlene joked, noting that money was scarce in the pre-war era right after the Great Depression.

The two met at a movie with friends, and it did not take long until they became a couple.

"We talked right from the start, he was really easy to talk to," said Arlene.

The two eventually married on Nov. 21, 1940.

"I'm still wearing my original wedding ring," said Arlene, who showed her thin gold band. She wanted to be Richard's wife more than having a fancy engagement ring.

They encountered a huge challenge in their married life when Richard got drafted in 1942 for the war, only a few weeks after the birth of their first son.

"There was no way of getting in touch with him. Letters were scare so we hardly knew how he was or where he was," said Arlene.

Arlene busied herself with teaching. After 14 months of having no way of communication, Richard finally returned to their home in Sheldon, Wisconsin.

"That was the most wonderful time of my life, said Richard. "To think I could come home to my wife and children."

But the memories of war haunted Richard, who said: "I know I had a lot of bad dreams and so forth."

The two faced everything together, from Richard's post-traumatic stress disorder to the death of their eldest son.

"Without him, I don't know what I would have done, I wouldn't have made it," said Arlene.

"I'm still in love with her, she means everything to me," said Richard.

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
related articles
Candace Cameron Bure gives marriage advice, explains being a \'submissive\' wife
Candace Cameron Bure gives marriage advice, explains being a 'submissive' wife

Candace Cameron Bure gives marriage advice, explains being a 'submissive' wife

What is Michelle Duggar\'s advice to newlyweds?
What is Michelle Duggar's advice to newlyweds?

What is Michelle Duggar's advice to newlyweds?

\'Pray and forgive\': Manny Pacquiao\'s wife gives advice to struggling married couples
'Pray and forgive': Manny Pacquiao's wife gives advice to struggling married couples

'Pray and forgive': Manny Pacquiao's wife gives advice to struggling married couples

News
What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit?
What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit?

24 May 2026 is Pentecost Sunday, when Christians recall the importance of the Holy Spirit. The fruits of the Spirit are the virtues that are produced in the life of a believer through the work of the Holy Spirit. This is the story …

Pentecost: Its meaning, significance and relevance for Christians today
Pentecost: Its meaning, significance and relevance for Christians today

Today is Pentecost - a special day in the Christian calendar that many Christians may have heard of, but do not always fully understand. Yet Pentecost is incredibly important, because it is deeply connected to the work of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church.

Christian aid organisations mobilise emergency Ebola response in Democratic Republic of Congo
Christian aid organisations mobilise emergency Ebola response in Democratic Republic of Congo

Christian aid organisations are mobilising emergency health responses in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a deadly Ebola outbreak in the country’s north-east that has prompted international concern.

Three Baptist pastors killed in Manipur ambush after peace conference
Three Baptist pastors killed in Manipur ambush after peace conference

The victims were senior leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI), a Baptist denomination rooted in the Thadou-Kuki community of Manipur.