Colin and Julia Neuhaus: 65 years of shared interests

by Judy Williams
Not sure you could call it love at first sight when Colin Neuhaus and Julia Shepard met.

He was 16 and she was several years younger, just a kid. They both were attending a birthday party hosted by Julia’s sister in their hometown of Glen Rock, Pennsylvania. Who would have guessed that several years later, they would become boyfriend and girlfriend? After 1 1/2 years of dating, they finally tied the knot on March 17, 1956.

Julia stated with a laugh, “We chose March 17 to get some of that luck of the Irish.” Then she explained that the date was set because Colin was in the Army and being transferred.

Later, the Neuhauses moved to Ann Arbor so Colin could attend the University of Michigan. After graduation, he was hired as a professor of marketing at Eastern Michigan University. During this time, Julia worked as the treasurer for a family company. They lived in the Ann Arbor area for the next 30 years before relocating to the rural Gregory area.

After growing up in and living in populated areas, moving to the country and building a home fulfilled their retirement dream. The Neuhauses have been Unadilla Township residents for the last 27 years.

Julia and Colin raised three children and are grandparents to two. They feel fortunate in having two of their children living close by.

One of the reasons the Neuhauses believe their marriage has been a success is shared interests. They both were very involved in the Scouting programs with a love for kids and camping.

Gardening is another interest they share. The proof is their vast vegetable garden. The couple both share an enjoyment of music and a love of reading.

When asked what is the secret to a loving, 65-year marriage, they both agreed.  Don’t expect to agree on everything, but work on the differences. Julia added, “Pick someone who has a similar value system.”

February is the month when SCN celebrates the enduring strength of love. This is our fourth year shining a spotlight on couples from the Stockbridge area who have celebrated 50 years or more of marriage. Many thanks to those couples who were willing to be interviewed for our 2022 feature. (Headline from poem by Elaine Davis.)

Couples we’ve highlighted in previous years include:

  • AC and Cheryl Allen
  • June and Fred Brockmiller
  • Chuck and Joan Bumpus
  • Dale and Eileen Conti
  • Marvin and Jeanne Cook
  • Stan and Susan Daily
  • Bev and Dave Glynn
  • Arlene and Ron Kaiser
  • Jan and George Kitley
  • Terry and Dianne Outwater
  • Don and Tammy Porter
  • Claire and Linda Risner
  • Claire and John Sawicki
  • Doug and Terry Sommer
  • Ivan and Cheryl Wyrick
  • Richard and Margaret Morrison
  • Jim and Edith Zeitz
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