A Marriage 175 Years in the Making: Louis Vargo and Bess Horstmann
It took the octogenarians only a short time to know they belonged together. About a week. No need for a proposal. “I didn’t want to bend over to get on my knees,” admits the groom, 87-year-old Louis Vargo. And according to his bride, 88-year-old Bess Horstmann, he didn’t have to. The decision to marry “just evolved.”
They’d each lost their mates—Louis after 50 years of marriage, Bess after 40. And although they both lived at Rouquette Lodge in Mandeville, they had never met. Louis quietly pursued his passion for photography, and Bess loved line dancing and socializing. Life was okay—until the party. Then it went from ho-hum to WOW!
Bess’ 85th birthday party was a fancy affair; there was even a DJ. Daughter Sandra Roberts had invited everyone at the lodge to the celebration. Louis, not one for socializing, didn’t plan to attend. But the happy music drew him from his room.
“When I spotted Bess, I went back to my room to get my camera,” Louis shares. “Having worked in TV, I have an eye for beauty. I was taken with her—she was extremely attractive, with a beautiful smile and personality.”
“I liked Louis’ speech and sense of humor,” adds Bess. “He’s so smart.” From that day on, the lovebirds saw each other every day, holding hands, watching TV.
“We reminisced about the same things—events and movie stars like Bob Hope. I’d say the first name—he’d say the last,” says Bess. “I fell for Louis because he listened to me.”
“I developed an ear for listening while a producer for WBRZ in Baton Rouge,” explains Louis, who currently works in a 3-D imaging company.
Although health concerns prolonged their courtship, the happy couple married on August 9, 2008. At Rouquette Lodge, of course.
Now, from the storybook cottage that Sandra had built especially for them, the pair reflects on married life. “It’s good to have a pal, a partner,” says Louis.
Adds Bess, “We think the same way, and we laugh so much.”
“I’m pretty, and she’s pretty,” Louis teases. Hearing this, Bess giggles—the sweet laughter of a lady in love.
