Jerry and Nancy Kettmann celebrate 75 years!
For most couples, the 75th anniversary is an unattainable goal, but Villagers Jerry and Nancy Kettmann of Verano are that rare couple who achieved the milestone. The Kettmanns celebrated their anniversary—decked out in crowns, colorful leis and commemoratory sashes—in the presence of about 50 family members on Saturday, March 29.
Nancy is 94 and Jerry is 98, both are graduates of San Jose State University and Jerry is a former judge.
Jerry and Nancy first met in 1949 at the Barron-Gray cannery—one of the many local canneries that were operating back when agriculture was the primary business of Santa Clara Valley.
They exchanged vows at the Carmel Mission in March 1950, and moved to Berkeley, where Jerry went to law school and Nancy worked for Kaiser.
When they returned to San Jose, Jerry served as deputy district attorney for Santa Clara County and opened a private law practice prior to his appointment as judge to the Municipal Court in 1968.
The Kettmanns were featured in a recent Mercury News article where they shared their “secrets” of success. Their advice to other couples includes working towards future goals and being tenacious. For couples looking to achieve their diamond jubilee anniversary, according to the Kettmanns, they must learn to see the best in each other, accept each other and never try to win every argument.