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MV Couple Wins California "Love Letter" Contest
By Mission Viejo Dispatch
A Mission Viejo couple has won a statewide Love Story contest sponsored by Marie Callender Restaurants and Robbins Brothers Engagement Rings. Richard and Gerta Maleman are 29-year residents of Mission Viejo and currently reside in the Palmia retirement community.
On Tuesday evening the couple was treated to a limousine ride to a romantic Marie Callender dinner in Torrance, the city where they married. Richard surprised Gerta with an amazing re-proposal after their 40 years of marriage. Their son, Geoff, and his wife and children, observed the celebration and re-proposal.
Richard's letter was the unanimous winner from hundreds of entries:
I was between jobs, and decided to go on vacation. I selected a singles tour to Mexico City and Acapulco.
Upon arrival, seated in the Hotel Restaurant, waiting for the "Welcoming Breakfast" Table to fill up, hoping to choose an advantageous seat, I realized there was only one seat left (my seat) and all the other seats were filled with twenty-two girls!
Needless to say I was thrilled to be the center of attention throughout the entire trip (eleven days). On the first evening's dinner a toast was made, and as we all touched glasses, our eyes met!
On the last day of our tour, I asked her out, away from the group. We took a horse and buggy ride to the top of the cliffs where we had a front row seat in a beautiful restaurant watching the fantastic cliff divers, with a strolling violinist serenading us.
This enounter was in May of that fantastic year. From that time to July 4th when I went to visit her in New York City, I wrote a letter every day.
On my visit to New York, I arrived with a bouquet of red roses, a bottle of champagne and a diamond ring in my pocket.
She said "Yes" and we were married in November of the same year.
That was forty years ago, and I still love my wonderful wife with all my heart!
Although it was Richard's letter, Gerta still inspired his story after four decades of marriage. Richard told the Dispatch he originally proposed to Gerta on top of the Disneyland Hotel. She deferred until he prevailed following his daily letters and subsequent visit to see her in New York City.
The Summer of Love Contest celebrated a common theme for the two companies during the 60th anniversary of Marie Callender pies.
Robbins Brothers awarded the Malemans a $2,000 gift certificate while Marie Callender's took care of the romantic dinner and will treat the couple to fresh-baked pies for one year.
