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Everlasting Love: Wyandotte Man, Woman Die Hours Apart After 76 Year Marriage

WYANDOTTE (WWJ/AP) - A southeast Michigan husband and wife who were married for 76 years died about 12 hours apart.

Family members say 96-year-old William Kreger, a former mayor of Wyandotte, died at a Detroit hospital Friday -- the day after falling and hitting his head. His wife, 97-year-old Edna Kreger, who had dementia and was under hospice care, died at home the next morning -- about 12 hours later.

A funeral is Wednesday at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Wyandotte, the place they called home their entire lives.

Conrad Kreger says his parents met as teenagers at Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte. They had six children and were described as nearly inseparable.

"My dad never went to bed without kissing her goodnight and telling her he loved her," Conrad Kreger told the Detroit Free Press.

William Kreger was a businessman. He served as the mayor of Wyandotte in the 1950s and spent several years on the Wayne County Commission. Edna Kreger was always busy with their children.

Conrad Kreger said his parents enjoyed traveling, their trips often including visits to far-away locations like Russia, China, New Zealand and Australia.

Along with their children, William and Edna Kreger are survived by 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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