Donald and Theresa Bohrer will celebrate more than 50 years of marriage Aug. 29 at the annual Diocesan Silver and Gold Anniversary Mass at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe. (JENNA TETER/The Texas Catholic)
By Jacqueline Burkepile
Special to The Texas Catholic
Christ the King Catholic Church parishioners Don and Theresa Bohrer are a happily married couple in Dallas getting ready to celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary on Oct. 17, 2015.
The couple, whose love story has been the foundation for a successful marriage that has spanned many years, will be among those attending the Second Annual Diocesan Silver & Gold Mass, which will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Aug. 29 by Bishop Kevin J. Farrell at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
The Bohrers met in Baton Rouge, La., after Don moved there on business. He then met with a Navy friend who introduced him to Theresa.
“I was a young, cute thing in Baton Rouge,” Theresa said. “I think Don liked Southern girls, and we discovered many things together. We loved the same kind of music, and we found out we were both lifelong Catholics.”
Don said they enjoyed doing various activities together in the southern Louisiana area. They would go to New Orleans, the race track, football games, and have dinner with friends.
“She certainly was a beautiful girl at the time,” he said. “She was very lively and fun to be with.”
However, this was only the beginning of a relationship that would last a lifetime. After marrying in 1959, the couple had two children together. They raised them in Houston, saying their Catholic faith was always a central part of their home. They taught their children to be active in a church community and to attend Mass regularly.
“It’s religion that teaches the children to respect others and to value human life. Without valuing these things, I can’t imagine what life would be like,” Theresa said.
Don and Theresa said raising their children and spending time together as a family resulted in a stronger marriage. They also said it is important to express love and respect to one another.
“You have to have a good sense of humor about everything. I think some people don’t realize this, but you need to be polite to each other,” Theresa said. “It’s important to go to church together. I also think you need to eat dinner together every night with your children.”
“You certainly need to overlook each other’s faults to the extent you can,” Don said. “Just kind of go along with things and try to keep the relationship on a solid, friendly basis.”
After retiring, Don and Theresa spent 10 years in Santa Fe, N.M., until recently moving to Dallas to help their daughter after her husband passed away.
Deacon Tim Muldoon of Christ the King Catholic Church said he has witnessed the couple’s acts of faith and service.
“Don and Theresa have a deep love for their faith, and live that faith on a daily basis,” Deacon Muldoon said. “No matter where they lived, they were always ready and willing to offer their time, talent and treasure in service to those in need.”
Catholic couples within the Diocese of Dallas who have been married for 25, 50 and 50+ years are encouraged to attend the Diocesan Silver and Gold Mass. To pre-register, call Delia Garcia at 214-379-2878.
