Siouxland Magazine - Volume 3 Issue 2

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Seventy Years Strong
By Jetske Wauran
It’s a very special year for Irv and Sue Givot.
This long-time local couple has not only overcome
the first year of the global pandemic, but they are
perhaps the longest living married couple in Sioux
City, Iowa. After all, they’ve been married for 69 years.
“We have done so well together,” Irv said.
Over those nearly seven decades, they had two
daughters and five grandchildren. After serving
in World War II, Irv came home and took over the
family-owned Westside Market grocery store as well.
Sue said they never really had any big arguments, nor have
they had any troubles during this pandemic except that
Irv can’t drive anymore due to health issues. “And that’s
just fine because now HyVee and Walmart deliver our
groceries,” Sue laughed.
“We get along so well. I love him with all my heart,” she
said, “And I knew at first, I would be marrying him too.”
On June 17, 2021, this Northside couple will celebrate
their 70th anniversary, at the place they say they will always
love the most: Sioux City.
“I worked there before the war. My mother ran it for
a long time, so for me it was an easy transition,” Irv
said. “It was a great 69 years. I loved work, I loved
the customers, I loved the challenges. It was the best
decision outside of my marriage with Sue.”
Irv, 97, said the keys to their marriage longevity are
love and respect for each other. “She’s so perfect.”
Irv said there was never a doubt in his mind that he
wanted to marry Sue.
Sue, 91, said she likes to spend quality time with her
husband.
“He’s always been a hard worker for our family and
he makes me feel safe.”
Irv and Sue Givot