Love Lives Here: Meet the 2026 Valentine's Sweetheart Giveaway Finalists

Love Lives Here

Meet the 2026 Valentine's Sweetheart Giveaway Finalists

Every February, we open our doors and ask our community a simple question: who in your life deserves to be celebrated?

The stories we received this year stopped us in our tracks. Stories of farmers who work nineteen-hour days and still tuck their kids in at night. Of couples celebrating fifty years of choosing each other, every single day. Of neighbors, parents, and community servants who give quietly and endlessly; never asking for anything in return.

Choosing just ten finalists from the nominations we received was one of the hardest things we've done in our 57 years in Waupun. Every entry reminded us why we love being part of this community.

These are their stories.

— ❤ —

Jennifer Thurk

Jennifer is celebrating a milestone year—her 44th birthday on Valentine's Day, 24 years of marriage this September, and her first year as an empty nester with her husband. After decades of putting family first, Jennifer dreams of quiet evenings on the patio by the fire pit, finally having time to relax and reconnect with the love of her life. Her journey from full house to empty nest deserves to be celebrated with a place to make new memories together.

— ❤ —

Jennifer Ruetten

Nominated by her daughter Ashley, Jennifer is "the best mom and stepdad in the world." She's spent years working hard and going above and beyond to make sure her family has everything they need and want, always putting others first. Ashley knows her mom has been dreaming of a glider loveseat, and after a lifetime of giving, Jennifer deserves something she's been wanting for herself. Her selfless love has shaped her family in the most beautiful way.

— ❤ —

Roger & Gloria Drews

Roger and Gloria will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this summer—five decades of partnership, love, and hard work on their farm. Even after all these years, they're still working side by side every single day, tending to the land and livestock together. Their daughter Gina nominated them because after long days of physical labor and unwavering dedication, they deserve a place to sit, glide, and simply enjoy each other's company as they've done for half a century.

— ❤ —

Gary & Diane Posthuma

Nominated by their daughter Tiffany, Grandma Diane and Papa Gary have been there "at any moment" for their grandkids over the past eight years. They've shown their family what true love looks like—unconditional, present, and generous with their time and hearts. Tiffany wants to honor them for all the love and support they've given through the years, celebrating parents and grandparents who drop everything to show up when they're needed. Their legacy is built on moments of presence and love.

— ❤ —

Mechelle & Mr. Landaal

Mechelle and her husband are celebrating 25 years of marriage this year—25 years of sharing the highest joys and walking through the deepest grief together. They've welcomed new grandbabies and said goodbye to their parents. Through it all, their favorite moments are simple: sitting on their back porch watching the birds, reminiscing about the past, and dreaming about the future. They call themselves "love birds" watching their birds, and after a quarter century of building a life together, they deserve a glider loveseat to make those porch moments even sweeter.

— ❤ —

Kay & Tom Karel

Kay and Tom have been married for 50 years, half a century of love, commitment, and partnership. Their family nominated them because after five decades of gliding through life together, they deserve to literally glide together for another 50 years. Their enduring love is a testament to what marriage can be when two people choose each other every single day. They're proof that true love doesn't just last, it deepens with time.

— ❤ —

Michelle and Scott Holzman

Nominated by her husband Scott, Michelle is the person who "keeps their ship afloat." She works tirelessly with little time to relax or take a break, always putting the needs of her family and others before her own. Scott sees how hard she works and knows she rarely gets the chance to simply sit down and breathe. This loveseat would finally give Michelle a place to rest and recharge—something she deeply deserves but rarely takes for herself.

— ❤ —

Joe & Melissa Venhuizen

Joe and Melissa have turned hospitality into their love language. They're always hosting Bible studies, family gatherings, and friend get-togethers, often at a moment's notice. Their home is a place where people feel welcome, fed, and loved through food and fellowship. Their friend Shanna nominated them because this glider loveseat would be the perfect addition to their porch, giving them another space to continue bringing families and friends together when the weather warms up. Their generosity creates community wherever they go.

— ❤ —

BJ & Katie DeMaa

BJ and Katie are deeply committed to the Waupun community, with BJ often sacrificing family time to serve others. Nominated by their friend Lori, this couple does so much behind the scenes to make Waupun better for everyone. Lori wanted to say thank you for ALL they do: for showing up, giving their time, and pouring into the lives of those around them. This loveseat would be a small way to honor their big hearts and remind them that their service doesn't go unnoticed.

— ❤ —

Bobby & Kaitlyn Hefter

Nominated by his wife Kaitlyn, Bobby is the definition of quiet strength. He and Kaitlyn own and operate a 75-cow dairy farm while raising their "small herd" of five kids. Bobby works grueling 19-hour days in the summer, carrying an incredible weight of responsibility on his shoulders every single day. But no matter how exhausted or overwhelmed he is, he still shows up for his family—helping with bedtime, teaching the kids about responsibility, and making sure Kaitlyn and the kids feel seen, valued, and loved. Bobby leads his family with consistency, dedication, and heart, never complaining or seeking recognition. He's raising his children by example, showing them what hard work and love truly look like.

— ❤ —

Our Winner Will Be Announced on Valentine's Day, Friday February 14th

One of these incredible couples will receive a beautiful outdoor glider loveseat from our showroom—the perfect spot to rest, reconnect, and simply be together.

But if you ask us? Every single one of these finalists has already won something far more valuable, the love and admiration of the people around them.

To everyone who submitted a nomination: thank you for trusting us with your stories. Thank you for celebrating the people you love. And thank you for reminding us, year after year, that love, kindness, and service are alive and well in Waupun.

With gratitude and warm wishes this Valentine's Day,

The Werner Harmsen Family