Walter and Jean Lojik: Winners

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Jean: 75 Walter: 82
Jean remembers meeting Walter for the first time at age 14. He was reading a newspaper and she walked up to say hello. Walter put down his paper, looked at her, and immediately resumed his reading. Walter was much older than her, and though a friend thought they should meet, Walter wanted no part of it.

Walter and Jean did not see each other again for three years. By this time, Jean was working in a weaving "shed" in England. One day she noticed a man working at a neighboring factory and was troubled because she could not recall how she knew him. She finally spoke to him, and Walter remembered their initial awkward introduction. They went on their first date to a 3D horror movie. Jean's parents were told of the relationship and disapproved because according to Walter, he was a "bloody foreigner". Despite the resistance, Walter and Jean were married on July 5, 1952, and Jean's family learned to love this man who hailed from the Ukraine.

Jean grew up in England, where she says that the class system was very segmented at the time. Walter fled the Ukraine as a young teen due to World War II and took refuge in six different countries before shipping to Liverpool, England. He was given schooling and took several jobs, including the dangerous position of working with rock and dynamite. Walter and Jean sailed to the United States with their two young daughters in 1956 and proudly became citizens in 1961. They went on to have three more children.

Walter and Jean have been through many challenges, including multiple illnesses and the violent death of a son. Walter has had to adapt to the role of caregiver, and Jean says he is very kind and tries hard. She has survived cancer three times, removal of a brain tumor, congestive heart failure and a fractured spine. Thanks to her fiery spirit, she has continued to utilize her skills in ceramics, crocheting and beaded flowers and has won "Best in Show" and many ribbons at the Utah State Fair for her efforts.

Walter and Jean believe that in order for a marriage to succeed, couples should communicate with each other through the good and bad. Jean believes that goals need to be set each day in order to succeed and both are adamant about having faith in God and the Virgin Mary. While they are Greek Catholic, their children are of varying faiths; Jean and Walter support them in their respective religious beliefs. To the Lojiks, their children are their greatest reward.

For more information on statewide events during Marriage Week USA, visit www.utahmarriage.org

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[emykins26]

I love watching this video over and over again. I enjoy being able to her nannie's voice. Seeing her in such good spirtis makes me smile. And Dido makes me laugh! I love you both always and forever!

[shaunj587]

I love this! how sweet to she a softer side of did-do I cant wait to show Ciera