Merle and "Sally" settled in Johnstown, Pa. Merle served 27 years in the U.S. Army and Reserves, the 458th Engineering Battalion, retiring as Master Sargeant. He was a policeman in Johnstown and was also an employeee of Bethlehem Steel. In addition, Merle was a mailman for the Post Office for 30 years.

Sarah was born and raised in South Fork, Pa., and met Merle at the Sunset Ballroom. She worked 10 years as a nurse’s aide at the Allegheny Lutheran Home. She was famous for her apple pies.