When Bill and Marilyn Muehlhauser exchanged their wedding vows 55 years ago, they promised to support each other in sickness and in health.

Last August, Marilyn suffered a stroke that changed their lifestyle. She required extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation.

“She decided that it would be a good idea if we moved in here permanently,” said Bill Muehlhauser.

“Here” refers to Fountain View Village, which provides a continuum of senior care from independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory assistance.

Although they own a home in town, Bill moved into the apartment to be by Marilyn’s side.

The Muehlhausers married June 21 more than five decades ago in Lancaster, Ill., and honeymooned in Colorado. They attended a June 20 luncheon where 35 couples celebrated their marriages of 50 years or more.

Fountain View Village staff understands how difficult it can be to be separated from a spouse, so its apartment homes and programs are designated for couples to stay together through the various stages of retirement.

The Muehlhausers, originally from Downers Grove, Ill., shared similar professions as educators. She taught high school physical education and coached basketball, softball and track. Bill was a special education teacher.

They moved to Fountain Hills 10 years ago after becoming acquainted with the town when their son Ray attended Arizona State University. He returned to the Chicago area to become a stock broker.

“When we came out to visit, we liked it so much,” said Bill. “We decided we preferred the heat to the cold.”

They also have a daughter, Kim Benge, a physical therapist who also lives in the Chicago area. They have two granddaughters and a grandson.

Marilyn’s advice for a long and happy marriage: “Never go to bed mad at each other.”

“Everything isn’t always going to be perfect,” said Bill. “I don’t think there is a perfect situation. We’ve enjoyed our life together.”

A highlight for the entire family was living one year in Coventry, England, where Bill was a Fulbright exchange student. Marilyn took a leave of absence from her position to teach in a residential school with him.

The couple was vacationing in Colorado when Marilyn had her stroke.

“Everything has fallen into place very nicely,” said Bill. They chose to stay in Fountain Hills rather than move closer to their children.

“I do not want to be cold,” said Marilyn.

Once their motor vehicle is wheelchair accessible, Marilyn will be better able to leave their apartment.

“She is improving but it’s very slow,” said Bill.

The Fountain View staff has gone out of its way to make him feel comfortable, said Bill.

”They try very hard to make the spouse feel a part of what’s going on,” said Bill.

Among the luncheon guests, Joan and Russell Larson, Fountain View Village residents, were married the longest. They celebrated 72 years of marriage on June 7.

The runners-up were Jack and Buena Bromley of Fountain Hills; they have been wed 71 years.