Eternal love from Wilhelmshaven: Ruth and Hans Stasch celebrate 69 years!

Eternal love from Wilhelmshaven: Ruth and Hans Stasch celebrate 69 years!

In Wilhelmshaven you can listen to a true love story of Ruth and Hans Stasch, who have been going through life together for 69 years. The couple is part of the NDR series “Century Love”, which was broadcast on June 9th and is now touching many hearts. Their granddaughter Pia had registered the couple for the series without either of them knowing – a real stroke of luck!

As befits a lovely love story, it all began over seventy years ago in a shop window of the “Strumpfhaus Elisabeth”. Hans was immediately fascinated by Ruth and invited her to go to the cinema. What followed was a harmonious relationship characterized by love, laughter and a touch of humor. “Don’t take life so seriously,” emphasizes Ruth, letting it be known that a good knack for the right attitude is part of a happy relationship. Hans adds with a smile that Ruth is stubborn, and you could say that keeps the couple on their toes.

A turbulent past

Both were born in the 1930s - Ruth on April 2, 1933 in Bad Salzuflen and Hans on November 25, 1931 in Brzezinka, now Poland. Their childhoods were anything but easy. Ruth enjoyed a strict upbringing, while Hans, who had to flee the Red Army in 1945, had to deal with traumatic experiences. In 1956, when Ruth was pregnant, the couple gave themselves into the hands of fate and married.

So what are the secrets of their long-lasting relationship? Communication and a strong family bond are at the top of the list. Her children, Uwe, Andreas and Martina, as well as five grandchildren and even a great-grandchild live nearby - another reason to be happy. “The family is important to us,” says Ruth beaming. Hans and Ruth are active, play boules and are involved in sports clubs. These activities not only strengthen their relationship but also add a lot of fun to their lives.

A look behind the scenes

Filming for the NDR series lasted three days. Even though everything seemed to be going smoothly, there was a mishap with a lamp that broke. “It was exciting and pleasant at the same time,” says Ruth. Accompanied by the film team, their trips together even took them to the harbor - a place that reveals a lot about their hometown.

The story of Ruth and Hans is also a lesson in successful long-term relationships. Many secrets can be discovered in John Gottman's research: “Deep friendship” and “mutual support” are often cited as the cornerstones of a happy marriage. Ruth and Hans live these aspects every day by communicating regularly and paying attention to each other's needs. The secret recipe? A little affection, daily feedback and shared rituals strengthen the connection.

The Staschs are not only comrades-in-arms in life, but also friends. “We always have something to laugh about together,” says Hans. And so they are well on their way to spending many more happy years together. As they sit on the balcony, enjoy the view over Rüstersiel and reminisce, it becomes clear: Happiness is a constant companion if you approach it correctly.

Ruth and Hans Stasch are a shining example of how true love endures through the best and worst of times, as long as you are willing to listen to each other and grow together.