 "Photo: Tommy Theis")
In Dr. Bob and Mary Taussig’s stone house, African masks adorn the walls and a warm, gold-toned kitchen is covered with photos of their seven children, 35 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren.
Bob, 86, said because he grew up on a remote ranch in the Colorado mountains, he was a contrast to Mary’s propriety.
“I entered Wheaton in fall of 1940,” he said. “A cowboy with no culture.”
After Bob introduced himself, Mary said, she “pursued him relentlessly.”
Bob seemed much less enthusiastic.
“She was sophisticated,” he said. “I didn’t know how to do anything.”
Mary, 86, used the fact that she lived in the dorm containing the college cafeteria to orchestrate frequent meals with Bob and his friends. Only years later did she reveal her secret.
“Every night we had dinner together by happenstance,” Mary said, giggling. “It was God. Why else would I look at this boy and try to get a date?”
Her persistence paid off. On June 24, 1945, they were married.
“I chose Bob,” Mary said. “The Lord, he knew that he was the only man for my life.”
Bob was careful to give God the credit for bringing and keeping the couple together.
“Here we are, looking a bit old and worn,” he said. “But God has led us on some wonderful pathways.”
These pathways have led them to a veterinary practice in Sioux Springs, Iowa, a teaching position in veterinary medicine at K-State, a stint as a bush vet to a Nigerian tribe and back to a teaching position at K-State. The Taussigs also founded K-State’s Navigators chapter and Helping International Students.
“My parents were incredibly hospitable and really served the community and were a tremendous example to me,” said Mark Taussig, the couple’s sixth child, who works for K-State. “They still want to have people over and serve them a meal.”
Mary said Bob has always chosen someone to mentor as well.
“My marriage is always a part of me, and my marriage is how I try to help that man,” Bob said. “It’s been a real delight to see how people respond to a marriage based on real love.”
Jeremy Bennett, senior in construction science and management, said he meets with other young men at the Taussigs’ house.
“It gives me encouragement,” he said. “I know a marriage like that is possible if you stick with it.”
Bennett said the couple’s relationship is “radically different” from most he sees.
“The relationship is not what he can get from her,” Bennett said. “It’s what he can do for her.”
Between their differing backgrounds, the difficulties of raising seven children and Mary’s straightforward honesty, the Taussigs encountered plenty of challenges in their marriage.
“I’ve learned to appreciate Mary’s strength,” Bob said. “I think she’s learned to appreciate the fact that I love her.”
Bob said a good marriage doesn’t just happen.
“You’ll discover you can sleep in the same bed, use the same facilities in the kitchen and be alone,” he said. “Togetherness doesn’t have anything to do with proximity.”
The Taussigs have many stories of things they have done together, Bennett said, explaining that they “love to create memories together.”
Bob described looking at a beautiful sunset and the Grand Tetons in Wyoming with Mary and knowing they both felt the same awe.
“It’s something that we see that is unusual or special, and it’s a memory we make together,” he said.
As they faced growing older, the two knew each of these moments could be their last. They now celebrate their anniversary every month. Mary said Bob has a love note waiting for her when she wakes up.
“He’s always pursuing her, even after he’s been married to her,” Bennett said. “He’s been pursuing her his whole life.”
That fact does not seem likely to change for the remainder of their lives, however long they may have together.
“Their marriage is like a diamond in the rough,” Bennett said. “Everyone wants a marriage like that.”
Be the first to comment on this article!