Joe and Betty Piccolo are an interesting, fun couple from Becker. Their enthusiasm is contagious and positive attitude is inspiring. I’m certain their upbeat outlook on life has contributed to a successful 50 year marriage. After all, it has been said that a positive attitude provides better coping skills during hardships and times of stress.
Joe and Betty Piccolo's love story began on the very small island of Kwajalein Atoll. It is the largest coral Atoll island, often referred to as Execution Island (which was referenced in the movie “Unbroken”.) The island with white sandy beaches, pristine waters lined with palm trees and luscious green trees earned the name 'Execution Island' because few Allied captives ever lived to tell about their experiences there.
Joe was working as a fire inspector and lieutenant for the fire department when the couple met. Betty spent a year teaching on the beautiful island paradise and met Joe on a transport boat at the wedding of two school teachers. The couple dated for three months and fell in love. They left the island and headed back to the states, where they decided they would get married. They got a blood test in Hawaii and headed to Las Vegas to tie the knot. They were wed on the strip in a small chapel called The Church of the West on March 17, 1966. The chapel is a national treasure and many movie stars have had their nuptials there: Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Betty Grable, Cindy Crawford and Richard Gere, Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton and many more. The chapel was also featured in the movie “Viva Las Vegas” featuring Elvis Presley and Ann Margaret in 1964.
After their wedding, Joe worked several places, from California to North Dakota. The couple finally settled in Oklee, MN briefly (Betty’s hometown) until settling in Sherburne County. In October of 1966, the couple welcomed their first son Wade. Six years later came another son named Eddie. Both boys still live in the Becker area.
Betty worked as a physical education and health teacher in the Elk River School District for over 30 years. Betty was the first female coach of basketball and track and is a member of the Elk River School Hall of Fame. Betty and Joe moved to Becker in 1970 and now live in Becker township.
Betty describes Joe as a jack of all trades. He has worked more than 50 jobs before and during their 50 year marriage. Joe has traveled extensively, including places such as Australia, Japan, New Guinea and Switzerland. Some of Joe’s varied jobs have included: oil fields and commercial fishing in Alaska, owned a bakery, greased rides for the World’s Fair in Seattle, painted houses, drove school bus, worked as a mechanic, courier for Pony Express, short order cook, fire inspector and lieutenant for the fire department and so many other interesting jobs. He even worked briefly part-time as a Becker cop, along with Walt Doering and also worked with the late Jon Whitcomb (full time Becker policeman.)
Betty’s good friend Judy Bowatz shared these thoughts about their 30+ year friendship: "Joe and Betty have always enjoyed life and had a great deal of fun together. Betty was an outstanding ball player and played softball with me on my team “Judy’s Beauties” named after Judy’s local beauty salon. Betty is a talented singer and one of the most positive people she has ever met. I have always admired Joe and Betty and their enthusiasm for life and love for one another. They are always ready for an adventure!"
Joe’s advice for a successful marriage is to talk problems out with your spouse and don't let them fester. The couple has always enjoyed doing activities together.
Betty said she has enjoyed their 50 years together greatly and has enjoyed the spontaneity of their years together.
Great advice from a poem I recently read about marriage stated that ‘the little things are the big things'… and reminded married couples to never take each other for granted.
Betty admitted both she and Joe are independent. They are an interesting, dynamic couple. To say there has never been a dull moment in their 50 year marriage is an understatement.
Approximately four years ago, Joe’s health began to fail. He had one leg amputated in 2014 and the other one amputated in 2015. Last fall, Joe spent time at Foley Nursing Home recovering from a life threatening bout with sepsis. Despite many hardships, Betty and Joe have kept a very positive outlook on life.
After Joe was released from the Foley Nursing home in March of this year, they got to thinking they wanted to get re-married. Ten days after Joe was released, they did exactly that! The couple took off by car for Las Vegas, NV. Betty drove 400 miles per day and they stayed at mom and pop motels along the way. They renewed their vows at the very same chapel on the very same day 50 years to the day they first wed at the Church of the West. The chapel has been moved a couple times, but still remains on the strip in Las Vegas. The couple was pleased to receive free pictures, roses and post cards from the chapel.
My twin sister and I went to school in Becker with Joe and Betty's oldest son Wade in the 1980’s. I remember Wade as a fun-loving guy with a great voice and an excellent actor in multiple school plays. It wasn’t until just recently that I was blessed to meet Betty and Joe. They are a delight and I pray God continues to bless their wonderful union.
