Illinois couple married for 71 years die 16 hours apart
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A man and wife who were married for more than seven decades died hours apart this week at a hospice in northern Illinois.
Family members say Robert and Nora Viands were always together during their 71 years of marriage. Their son calls their deaths -- 16 hours apart at a Rockford retirement center-- a "blessing" because each would have been heartbroken without the other.
The Rockford Register Star reports that 92-year-old Robert Viands died around 12:45 a.m. Wednesday. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Nora Viands died at 4:45 p.m. She was hospitalized with pneumonia in December.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Viands' children decided to put their parents in the same room at the hospice for their final hours.
A joint funeral will be held Sunday.