
Bill and Helen met in Missouri when Bill was home after his service as a U.S. Marine in World War II. He was her younger brother Joe's best friend. Bill was younger than Helen and at first their friends and family did not approve of the match. Bill moved out to California to find a job. Helen followed soon after and they were married.
They wanted a Valentine's Day wedding, but could not afford to take the day off. They were married on Saturday February 15, 1947.