The year was 1981 and it was Karen's sophomore year and Bobby's junior year at Wartburg College, in Waverly, Iowa. The two were introduced to each other through a mutual friend and became casual acquaintances. They were each dating other people and just going about their lives in college until they graduated. After college, they moved on and started their teaching careers in different locations. Karen was in West Des Moines and Bobby was in Orlando. Years passed and they wouldn't run into each other again until a Wartburg Homecoming in 1998. They talked and got caught up with each other's lives, socialized with friends, and as rumor has it, there may have been a make-out session! After that weekend, Bobby and Karen went back home to their own lives. Twenty six years passed and many major life events happened for both of them. Then in March of 2024, the two reconnected on Facebook. Out of the blue, Bobby reached out on March 1, 2024 and sent Karen a message. Karen hesitated on responding and Bobby became confused as to why he didn't hear back from her for three days. He later found out that an intrigued Karen was consulting with her friend for advice. Karen knew Bobby lived in Florida and was really curious as to why he contacted her now. She followed her gut instinct and responded back to this man she met so many years ago. On March 4, Karen sent Bobby an emoji wave👋🏼 as a friendly hello on Facebook. For the next days and months, they became consumed with each other. The two texted and spoke on the phone daily. They quickly realized they were perfect for each other and needed to see each other in person. Starting at the end of April of 2024, there were several trips to Florida for Karen and many trips back to Iowa for Bobby. Through these trips, they fell in love with each other, and realized they wanted to be with each other forever. On his trip to Iowa at the end of September, Bobby decided to make his move. On September 27, 2024, Bobby blindfolded Karen and surprised her with a birthday party/engagement party at The Hotel Winneshiek. She said YES! Now, a wedding date is scheduled for June 14. The couple plans to get married in a private ceremony. A cocktail hour is planned to begin at 5:00pm in the Steyer Opera House at the Hotel Winneshiek followed by a reception. Both Bobby and Karen feel very blessed and can't wait to start their future life together!