Our sweetheart story began the spring of 1980.  Rob was a Junior and I was a Freshman.  On a dare from Rob’s friend Doug Laaker (Di’s classmate), Rob asked me to Prom as we were leaving track practice.  I said sure – why not!  Well that led to dating all thru high school with all the Homecomings, Proms, Football, Basketball, Track and school activities.  We then navigated the long-distance relationship while attending college – spending many days traveling to Milford and to Columbus.  Rob played basketball at Southest Community College and I played volleyball at Platte College (now known as Central Community College) in Columbus.  We were married in May of 1985 and we made our home in Bennington.  We have 3 daughters who all attended and graduated from Bennington High School – Jordan (BHS Class of 2005), Cori (BHS Class of 2008) and Brynlee (BHS Class of 2016).  Jordan is a cosmetologist in Omaha, Cori is a nurse for Bellevue Med Center, and Brynlee is a NICU nurse currently back in school for her CRNA certification.  We also have one granddaughter Kinlee who is a future BHS graduate - Class of 2033!!

Rob has worked in the HVAC/Maintenance fields since college and has worked for Seldin Companies, The Lund Co, Prairie Life Center and since 2009 works for the Bennington School District at Bennington South Middle School.  Rob also had a second career – a career that he absolutely loved.  Rob was a NSAA High School Baskeball Official which began in 1985.  At that time there were 2-man crews and his crew mate was his friend Leo Venteicher (BHS Class of 1980).  He recently hung up his whistle and retired in 2022.  He officiated many, many games including District games, State Tournament games and a highlight to his career – he was selected to officiate The Nebraska Coaches Association All-Star Basketball Tournament in 2014.  Rob has also served the community of Bennington as a volunteer for the Bennington Fire Department, was a member of the Planning Board for the City of Bennington, coached B.A.L. girls softball and baseball.

Di has worked in the investment field since college and has worked for Kirkpatrick Pettis Smith Polian, Sterling Financial, NBISCO-Bank of Bennington Insurance Co, Smith Hayes Financial and currently works for UBS Financial as the Office Administrator.  Di worked for St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bennington as the Youth Director from 2011-2016.  She also worked as a part-time volleyball coach for the high school program for several years following her college graduation.  Di has served the community of Bennington as a B.A.L. softball coach, a Girls Scout Troop Leader, served on several church committees at St. John’s Lutheran Church and served on the Bennington Volunteer Fire Department Auxillary committee.

We are Badger Blue forever!  This story would not have started if it weren’t for our parents!  Both of our parents were also Bennington High School Sweethearts!  Rob’s parents Terry Loptin and Carol (Johnsen) Loptin graduated from Bennington High School in 1960.  They were married in October 1961.  Rob and his sister Sherri Sowers attended and graduated from Bennington High School.  They both are currently employed by the Bennington School District.  Sherri is a beloved teacher at Pine Creek Elementary!  Carol also worked for the Bennington School District as a para for 34 years.  

Di’s parents Danny Parrish Sr. and Dixie Campbell were also Bennington High School sweethearts.  Danny was BHS Class of 1964 and Dixie was BHS Class of 1965.  They were married in June of 1964.  Di, her sister Denise and brother Danny all attended  and graduated from Bennington High School.

Again, Badger Blue forever……..more Bennington High School Sweethearts from our families that married! 

Rob’s family:

• Uncle Rick Johnsen (BHS Class of 1971) and Aunt Sandy (McDowell) Johnsen – (BHS Class of 1972) 

Di’s family:

• Sister Denise (Parrish) Kimnach (BHS Class of 1986) and Marc Kimnach (BHS Class of 1985)
• Di’s Uncle Merle Campbell and Aunt Patricia (Morris) Campbell (BHS Class of 1963)
• Di’s Uncle Richard Campbell and Aunt Diane (Kuhl) Campbell (BHS Class of 1968) 
• Di’s Aunt Debbie (Campbell) Svatora (BHS Class of 1971) and Uncle Joe Pleskac (BHS Class of 1970)  

Thank you for letting us share our story!  

Rob and Di