June 27, 2026

We met through 4-H when we were only 12 years old. Throughout the years we would see each other at summer camps and pre-college programs. The beginning of a friendship built. We always kept in touch a few times a year. Will's oldest sister Rebecca suggested we reconnect and the rest is history.

After casually chatting on Facebook, Will invited Kendra to the Fire Crew Relay Races in Negaunee. Will, who is a fireman for Skandia-West Branch Township, was participating in the tournament for the weekend. What was supposed to be just one evening ended up being 3 different dates, 3 days in a row.

We have both been asked this question individually before and have come up with the same answer: Christmas of 2023, 6 months into dating. We had both been going through a difficult time around this season. We both realized, however, no matter how challenging our stressors were we did the best we could with open communication and support of each other.