Love is in the Air at FGH Assisted Living

Jerry and Galen Brinkman were one of several couples who celebrated Valentine’s Day at FGH Assisted Living this year.



Originally from Greene, the two first met in the 1950s, when Jerry was working at a root beer float stand. To this day, Jerry remembers Galen’s order: a butterscotch malt. The pair would eventually go on their first date on April 4, 1959, and before they knew it, they were married with three beautiful children — two girls and a boy. The couple raised their family on a farm in between Greene and Allison, where everyone was expected to pitch in.



The key to a successful marriage, according to the Brinkmans: humor. And lots of it.



“Her father paid me the right price — that’s why we got married,” said Galen.



Through laughter, Jerry said “he is nuts! But that’s why I love him. He’s a lot of fun.”



The Brinkmans have been through a lot together, including a leg amputation, which led to them moving into the assisted living center in 2023. Jerry said the decision was a difficult one, but she knew she needed additional support after she lost her leg.



“It was a hard decision for Galen, because he’s always lived on a farm, but he wanted to be here with me,” she said.

But the two stay busy at FGH Assisted Living. Jerry, 82, enjoys quilting and crafting and Galen, 87, enjoys his woodworking. Their apartment at the assisted living center is filled with photos of their family, serving as a reminder of all the amazing memories they have made together — and will continue to make.

"We really love it here," said Jerry. "The staff is nice and we have everything we need here."



In addition to their three children, the Brinkmans now share six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.