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Couple Together 73 Years Die Just 28 Hours Apart

Helen and Joe Auer were married in 1941, had 10 children and stayed together until the end

A couple who were married for 73 years have died within 28 hours of each other.

Helen and Joe Auer passed away this week within 28 hours of each other. [Meyer Funeral Home]
Helen and Joe Auer passed away this week within 28 hours of each other. [Meyer Funeral Home]



Helen Auer, 94, passed away while sitting in her chair at home leaving behind 100-year-old husband Joe.

After her peaceful passing, Joe gave her a kiss goodbye and whispered, “Helen, call me home”.

Little over a day later, she did.

The couple from Cincinnati, Ohio, are being touted as the latest example of ‘broken heart syndrome’ – where the death of one partner is followed very quickly by the other.

Helen and Joe were married in 1941 and their 73-year union survived Joe’s service in World War II, where he carried a worn picture of Helen and their two children with him through the D-Day landings.

Helena and Joe on their wedding day in 1941. [Meyer Funeral Home]
Helena and Joe on their wedding day in 1941. [Meyer Funeral Home]



Joe kept the picture in his wallet for the rest of his life as he and Helen added eight more children to their family.

Their brood grew over the years to include 16 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

One of their daughters Mary Jo looks back on her parents’ fairytale love story with fond memories.

“It’s a joyous time. Mom and Dad lived a blessed life,” she told the Cincinnati Enquirer.

The pair were married for 73 years and had 10 children. [Meyer Funeral Home]
The pair were married for 73 years and had 10 children. [Meyer Funeral Home]



Jerry Auer, their youngest son, thinks Joe and Helen’s marriage is a pretty good example of a perfect union.

"They wanted nothing and got everything in return," he said of his "simple and humble" parents.

"If somebody were thinking of getting married, they could do a lot worse than to look at my parents."

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