A couple, married 65 years, have passed away at a nursing home within 11 hours of each other.

Ruthie Schmitz (89) and Harold “Doc” Knapke (91) died on the same day according to the Dayton Daily News.

The two went to school together but didn’t start a relationship until they became pen pals during his service in Germany during World War II.

After getting married Ruthie and Harold moved into a farm house where they raised their six children together.

Daughter Margaret Knapke said that her father waited on her mother despite his failing health: “We believe he wanted to accompany her out of this life and into the next one, and he did.”

The couple, who passed away in their shared room on August 11th, had a joint funeral mass which was the perfect end to their love story according to another daughter Carol Romie.

She said: “It is really just a love story. They were so committed and loyal and dedicated, they weren’t going to go anywhere without the other one.”

A picture of the couple (image via Associated Press).