Sometimes the best stories begin completely by accident. For Marty and Gary Kolberg, it started when two college students literally bumped into each other in a stairwell at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. They liked what they saw, started spending time together during their first week of college, and never really stopped.

Fast forward 46 years, and that chance encounter has turned into a lifetime together filled with family, rewarding careers, friendships, world travel, and now a home here in Kimblewick.

Marty was born in Colombia, and her family moved to the United States when she was 10 years old. I asked her if it was difficult to transition to a new country and learn English at that age. In typical Marty fashion, she simply explained that she did what was necessary. Knowing how friendly and outgoing Marty is today, I have a feeling she made friends pretty easily along the way.

Gary began life on the other side of the country in Redwood City, California. His family moved to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, when he was in seventh grade. Years later, he and Marty would both find themselves at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse.

After that memorable meeting in the stairwell, the two began dating and formed a group of friendships that has lasted to this day. Marty studied sociology, while Gary earned a degree in business. They married after college and welcomed their daughter, Allison, five years later.

Their careers would take them in very different directions, but both found work that suited them well.

Marty became a travel agent and eventually served as operations manager for six travel offices in Wisconsin. Anyone who has met Marty can understand why she thrived in an industry built around people, relationships, and travel.

Gary’s career took a less expected turn. With an interest in graphic arts and a business degree in hand, he took a job as a firefighter while thinking he would eventually move into another profession. Instead, he found his calling. Gary stayed with the fire service and eventually became a Battalion Chief.

His creative side never disappeared. Gary supported the Polar Bear Club, where as many as 380 people would brave the frigid Wisconsin waters for a polar plunge. For 25 years, he designed the club’s T-shirts and logos.

That artistic talent has even carried into the next generation.

Allison Charette, Ed.S., is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist who developed her own business to better serve children and families in the Carmel area. Her practice, PEAS for Kids, provides psychoeducational evaluation, advocacy, and solutions. And who designed Allison’s business logo? Dad, of course!

Allison’s husband, Patrick, built a career around another helping profession. With a background in sports medicine, strength, and conditioning, Pat owns his own personal training business in Carmel, where he and other trainers work with clients to improve their health and fitness.

But if you ask Marty and Gary, two of the most important people in the family are probably a little younger.

Their granddaughters, Zoe, three and a half, and Ari, one and a half, live nearby. You will often see Marty and Gary walking through Kimblewick with the girls. The family also includes two grand-pups, Ryder, a 35-pound mini Goldendoodle, and Charlie, a tiny Maltipoo who apparently has no trouble making sure everyone knows who is in charge.

Family was ultimately what brought Marty and Gary to Indiana.

For years, Sheboygan was home. Their deep roots and longtime friendships there made leaving difficult. As they traveled back and forth to Westfield to visit Allison, Patrick, and their growing family, however, Indiana began feeling more and more like home. They eventually purchased a spec home in Kimblewick and fell in love with the neighborhood, the people, and the opportunity to be so close to their daughter and granddaughters.

Travel has also been one of the great constants throughout Marty and Gary’s life together. Marty’s career in the travel industry certainly helped open that door, and over the years they have become true world travelers.

Their photographs throughout this feature tell part of that story. They have experienced different cultures, explored historical sites, and seen some of the world’s most beautiful landmarks. When I asked Gary if there was anywhere they had traveled that he would never visit again, he could not name one.

That says a lot about the way these two experience the world. For Marty and Gary, traveling is not simply about seeing another destination. They enjoy learning about other cultures, meeting people, understanding history, and appreciating the differences that make each place unique.

When they are home, both have found plenty to keep them busy right here in Kimblewick.

Marty loves to walk while listening to inspirational podcasts and participates in many of the fitness classes offered at the Carriage House. She enjoys gardening and takes advantage of Kimblewick’s many social activities.

Gary can frequently be spotted sporting a hat representing one of his Wisconsin teams, whether it is the Packers, Badgers, Brewers, or Marquette. Naturally, this also gives his friends who support other teams plenty of opportunities to razz him. Gary enjoys ping pong and singing in the choir, and many Kimblewick residents also know him through the safety articles he contributes to our community.

The holidays are especially enjoyable in the Kolberg household because Marty and Gary both love to cook, and they enjoy cooking together. After 46 years of marriage, I’d say they have figured out a pretty good recipe!

They have also developed close friendships with their neighbors on Old Rosebud. For a while, Marty and Gary wrestled with maintaining two homes, one here and one in Wisconsin. Eventually, being close to family and the life they had built in Kimblewick provided the permanence they were looking for.

Now another chapter is beginning.

With some bittersweet feelings, Marty and Gary are preparing to leave their current home on Old Rosebud and build their dream home in the newer West End of Kimblewick. The move will give them more space for their granddaughters, family, and the many Wisconsin friends who remain an important part of their lives. And with Marty being one of the youngest of 11 children, having room for family is certainly a good thing!

They will miss living beside the neighbors they have grown so close to, but they are excited about designing a home around this stage of their lives while remaining part of the Kimblewick community they have come to love.

Perhaps all those years of traveling have made Marty and Gary especially comfortable embracing a new chapter. They have seen firsthand how much there is to learn from people whose lives, cultures, and experiences may be different from our own.

Their travels have reinforced a simple philosophy. Respect differences, learn from others, and choose kindness.

When I asked Marty and Gary how they hope to be remembered, they were completely in agreement. Be kind. Be friendly. Be warm and welcoming. And above all, be nonjudgmental.

After 46 years together, countless miles traveled, rewarding careers, lasting friendships, a daughter and son-in-law they are proud of, two beloved granddaughters, and another Kimblewick home on the horizon, Marty and Gary are still moving forward together.

It all started with an accidental bump in a college stairwell. I’d say that turned out to be one pretty fortunate wrong turn.