02/14/2026
Love That Lasts: Ken & Joan Lenhoff
This month at BRC, we’re celebrating something truly special — the love stories unfolding right here in our community.
Behind so many doors are decades of shared memories, quiet sacrifices, deep faith, laughter, and steadfast devotion. These are stories of commitment that have weathered wars, raised families, built friendships, and stood the test of time.
We’re honored to begin this series with Ken and Joan Lenhoff.
Some love stories begin with grand gestures.
Ken and Joan’s began at a high school after-school hangout.
Ken noticed they had quite a bit in common and decided not to waste time — he asked her out. A little over a year later, on July 4 in Biloxi, they were saying “I do,” just before Ken left for training for the Korean War.
It was a whirlwind week. Several other couples in Ken’s squadron were getting married too, and Ken and Joan attended as many of those weddings as they could to celebrate their new friends. Joan’s mother quickly sewed her wedding dress for the occasion — a labor of love stitched together just in time.
From there, life moved quickly.
Four children. Busy careers. A full home.
But through every season, they made one thing clear: they were a team.
Ken was an avid golfer. Joan poured her heart into serving at church — singing in the choir and supporting missionary committees. During our conversation, Joan praised Ken over and over for making sure she had the time she needed to follow those passions.
“He was always willing to stay with the kids,” she said, smiling.
They never missed a sporting event or concert. Some of their favorite memories include Ken taking the kids sledding and family camping trips — especially to the Smoky Mountains. They built a big circle of friends and were intentional about spending time as a couple with other adults — something they both agree is often overlooked. It mattered to them, so they made it happen.
When asked the secret to 72 years of marriage — 73 this July — they looked at each other and smiled.
Joan didn’t hesitate.
“Ken is so unselfish,” she said. “You have to be a very good forgiver,” she added with a playful glance his way, “and he was.”
Ken grew thoughtful before answering. Their goal, he said, was always to follow God’s will and to work as a team.
Then he looked at Joan with unmistakable tenderness.
“She’s always there,” he said. “No matter what I need, she’s already there working on it.”
Seventy-two years.
A lifetime of showing up.
A love built on faith, forgiveness, and being there — every single time.
