We’re just connecting the dots
WINTER TEXAN
Curt and Stella...
Volume 11 • Issue 15 February11, 2026
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A Love Story
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Love is in the air, and it feels especially fitting that two of my favorite people grace the cover of this week’s newspaper in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Curt and Stella hold a very special place in my heart, and our friendship is proof that you never know when life is about to bring you something wonderful. You know those rare connections where it feels like you’ve known someone forever? That’s exactly how it is with them. Their friendship feels like home, the brother and sister I never had yet somehow found. I’m sure many of you have stories like this, too, people you met here in South Texas who quickly became dear friends, and before you knew it, part of your family. That’s the magic of this community. Here at Welcome Home RGV, I’m grateful every day for the incredible work family we share. I truly love every single one of them. Whether you’re celebrating this Valentine’s Day with a sweetheart, good friends, or the chosen family that fills your life with joy, may your day be full of love… and maybe just a little chocolate, too!
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Curt and Stella celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary last year.
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by Eryn Reddell Wingert Photos courtesy of Curt and Stella Riester
t was their first date. No, it was their second date. Stella Riester remembers it one way, her husband, Curt, the other. As they shared the origin story of their romance, the Riesters come to agree: Their second date was Pepe’s on the River with a large group of Winter Texans in tow. Their first date was dinner at a Harlingen Chili’s. “It was free!” remembers Stella. Curt chuckles. It was free…after he flashed his Chili’s manager identification. The date went well, but afterwards, Curt leaned in for a kiss and completely missed the mark. Embarrassed, he turned on his heel and left. Determined to try again, he invited Stella to join him and his Uncle Ed and Aunt Delores (Winter Texans from Illinois) at Pepe’s on the River. During their date, Curt says Aunt Delores predicted the two would one day get married. But it wasn’t only this foursome, says Curt. “I didn’t know there would be
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The Riesters on the Seattle-Alaska tour with Welcome Home RGV