While other couples their age may be content with slowing down, Alex and Marilyn Knittel's passions and compassion keep them active.

As parishioners of Christ the King Lutheran Church, the Knittels are active in the Stephen Ministry and traveled to Mississippi for three years to help citizens rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Recalling their first visit, they remember seeing houses that were "blown apart" by the hurricane. On one lot, all that remained of the house on it were a bathtub and the home's cement footings.

"I've found you always get back more than you give," says Marilyn.

They met at a German dance in Detroit, Michigan. Originally from Augsburg, Germany, Alex had moved to the United States in search of better opportunities. Marilyn's family is of German descent and was active in the local German community.

Alex worked as a toolmaker in the automotive industry and as an engineer for DuPont. The couple moved to North Carolina 32 years ago when he accepted a position with Square D. Marilyn worked for Burroughs Wellcome and then for a law firm in Apex.

The Knittels have two daughters, Carolyn in Silk Hope and Pam in Raleigh, and two grandchildren. They selected SearStone as their future home because they felt it is very well planned, and is very close to their church, their doctors and the hospital. "We won't be a burden to our children," says Alex. "They won't have to worry about us here. The staff here is fantastic. They have always responded promptly to any questions we had."