From Antarctica to Trinity Village, high school sweethearts continue to serve

Erle and Candie Carter are anything but ordinary. From their first date on Valentine’s Day to a lifetime of service, faith, and family, the Carters have brought energy and heart to every chapter of their lives, including retirement.

Residing at Trinity Village, an Immanuel retirement living community in Papillion, Nebraska, the Carters’ spirit of service and the warmth of family are alive and well. With a love story that began in high school and a shared passion for giving back, the couple has become known not only for their talents and generosity but also for their strong faith and joyful outlook on life.

From high school sweethearts to lifelong partners

Erle and Candie’s journey began with a Valentine’s Day date in the early 1960s. Starting as high school sweethearts in Beemer, Nebraska, they built a relationship that would carry them through Erle’s U.S. Navy deployments, cross-country moves, and raising a family. Their 1965 marriage started a life rooted in adventure, service, and enduring connection. From San Francisco to Virginia, Hawaii to Antarctica, and finally back to the Midwest, the Carters embraced every chapter with steadfast love for each other and their faith.

“We always talked. We always had open communication,” Candie said. “And trust. We trusted each other completely. We knew who was in charge. We had the third chord in our marriage, and that was our Lord.”

That spiritual foundation has guided them through six decades of marriage, raising two children, celebrating four grandchildren, and even adopting one special grand-dog. Their family remains close, both in proximity and heart, with regular visits and shared traditions, like watching Husker games together on Saturdays.

But not just their family benefits from the Carters’ generosity. Since moving to Trinity Village, Erle and Candie have poured their time and talents into making the community a more beautiful, welcoming place for everyone.

Erle’s hands-on impact

Erle, a self-taught woodworker and former Navy communications specialist, has become the “go-to” guy around Trinity Village. From repairing broken furniture to assembling new pieces, his handiwork is everywhere. One of his most impressive projects includes refinishing the outdoor teak patio furniture, a labor-intensive task that took months of sanding and staining but resulted in a stunning transformation.

“I just love helping people,” Erle said. “God’s been good to us. We’re both relatively healthy. So, if He’s blessed us with good health, let’s use it.”

His volunteer spirit extends beyond Trinity Village. Twice a week, Erle heads to his church’s daycare to hold and care for infants, helping feed them and settle them down for naps. It’s a role that brings him immense joy, and a bit of envy from his breakfast buddies, who marvel at his energy and compassion.

“I get there around lunchtime,” he said. “I help feed them, and then help get six to eight babies down for a nap at the same time. It takes a while.”

Candie’s green thumb and community spirit

Candie, meanwhile, has cultivated beauty in the gardens and flower beds around Trinity Village. Her green thumb and love for perennials, especially the rare yellow peony she was allowed to transplant from her former home, have turned once-sparse spaces into lush, blooming sanctuaries. She’s often called upon for advice, plant identification, and help with landscaping projects in the community.

“I like to get my fingers in the dirt,” Candie said. “It’s helped me connect with other residents, especially the women. We share stories, swap tips, and build friendships.”

Her contributions go beyond aesthetics. Candie has helped maintain the large produce garden near the courtyard, assisted with trimming roses, and even advised staff on future landscaping plans. Her dedication has inspired others to get involved, creating a ripple effect of community engagement.

Finding home at Trinity Village

The Carters didn’t decide to move into Trinity Village overnight. It was a thoughtful process, gently encouraged by their children out of love and concern. At the time, the couple lived in a three-story home with a yard and many stairs. The laundry was in the basement, and the bedrooms were on the third floor. This meant a lot of climbing, something that had become increasingly difficult for both Erle and Candie due to knee issues and past surgeries.

“Our daughter said – and her brother agreed – ‘I’m not telling you to move. I’m not telling you that you have to do this. But I do want to talk about a plan,’” Candie said. “She wanted to know how to help us, and what we were going to do. And our son said the same thing. He said, ‘You don’t have to move, but we just want to know.’”

With that gentle nudge, the Carters began exploring options and eventually found themselves on the waiting list for Trinity Village. They had about a year to prepare for the move, giving them the time to downsize thoughtfully and decide what to keep. 

“We didn’t have to hurry,” Candie said. “We had a year to get rid of the excess furniture and stuff we knew we wouldn’t need.”

When an apartment home became available, the Carters were visiting family in Florida. The move-in transition was smooth, and the Carters quickly made their new home theirs. Erle made his surface-level garage his new workspace, and Candie set up a private room for sewing, crafts, and photos.

A legacy of love and service

Together, the Carters’ legacy at Trinity Village is one of kindness and connection. While they don’t seek praise for their efforts, their impact can be felt in every corner of the community, from the polished patio chairs to the blooming flower beds. 

And especially in the hearts of the people they’ve touched.

“We’ve never had a lot,” Erle said. “But we’ve always had enough. And we’ve always had each other.”