73 years, 17 churches, time to retire for Grabau

It doesn't take long after first meeting Mert and Irma Grabau that these two individuals are deeply in love.
That love has spanned over 70 years. The Grabaus observed their 69th wedding anniversary on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
Longevity seems to be the middle name of Mert and Irma. They both would fool anyone who would hesitate to guess their ages. Mert is 93 and Irma is 89.
Their smiles are contagious and their true hair colors match their colorful personalities.
The couple resides in a town home on the south side of Owatonna. The coronavirus has slowed them down somewhat, but they still have managed to stay busy serving the Lord in many different ways. They also stay close to one another by sharing many interests.
Mert just recently retired after serving as a church organist for 73 years. He most recently served as organist at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. He also played at church services at Good Shepherd in Owatonna, Trinity in Medford, Trinity in Claremont, Meridan and others.
Flashing that Minnesota Nice smile, Mert said he was too bashful to say "I quit." He said it was time to retire because he was having issues with his vision, hearing and memory.
Acknowledging a continued interest in playing the organ, Mert said he will play if an emergency situation arises. "I would take her along," Mert said, pointing to his bride of 69 years.
Giving it some deliberate thought, Mert said he believed he had played the organ in 17 different churches in the Owatonna area. He also sang and was choir director for many years at Redeemer Lutheran.
He first began playing a Reed organ. His first church was in Hampton, Neb.
Mert and Irma sometimes played for monthly pastoral services at nursing homes in Owatonna. 
Prior to retirement, Mert and Irma served their communities as educators. Mert taught elementary school and Irma worked in the principal's office at Owatonna High School.
Mert's first retirement came in 1989 after teaching for over 30 years in McKinley, Washington and Lincoln elementary schools in Owatonna. Irma followed Mert in retirement in 1993.
Music is a love that both have shared during their time together. They both love to play piano and the organ for their own enjoyment.
Usually when people retire, they are recognized with some type of gift. That gift might be a watch, a plaque of recognition, a gift card, or maybe even some cash.
Mert wished none of those items. He instead said he wished he could receive a paper cutter. That he did receive and he uses it to cut fabric and assemble quilt blocks for quilting groups at local churches.
Both Mert and Irma love to sew. He just completed cutting and assembling blocks for 16-17 quilt tops.
Churches supply Mert and Irma with the quilting material. The largest blocks he cuts measure 16 inches and the smallest are six inches. Mert says he cuts the fabric blocks to be made into quilts for Lutheran World Relief. The blocks end up in a finished 60 by 80 quilt.
Mert has a sewing machine in the basement and Irma sews on the main floor. "She will work on my bobbins when I need help," Mert admits.
The Grabaus, of course, have made lots of friends over the years because of their engaging personalities and because "they are servants of the Lord and love to serve others," says friend and fellow organist Gloria Kenow.
"Mert and Irma are great friends, fun to be with," says David Kenow. The two couples have been together in a card club for many years.
The Grabaus first met in 1949 and it was in a church in Detroit, Mich. Irma was born and raised in Detroit. Mert grew up in Chester, Neb., a little town 100 miles southwest of Lincoln.
The two came together after Mert traveled to Detroit to visit his brother Herb. Their romance continued through the mail.
Mert attended Seward College and received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. He then taught 12 years in a one-room school at Hampton, Neb. for eight grades including 32 students.
After high school, Irma went to work for Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Her father was a minister and started a new mission at Hampton.
The Grabaus moved to Minnesota in 1967. Just prior to this move, the Grabaus lived in Greeley, Colo. where Mert taught. The move to Minnesota meant better wages for Mert. He then began his teaching career in Owatonna.
The Grabaus raised one son, Kent. He and his wife had two sons who have since passed away. Kent now resides in Montana.
Mert and Irma still enjoy one another's company in retirement. "I try real hard to keep out of mischief," Mert chuckles.
Music continues to be part of their lives. Just read a verse on a pillow given to them as a gift. It reads: “There's a special place in Heaven for musicians."