Partners in marriage for 26 years, Joe and Linda Couri can often be found photographing the people, events and landmarks of central Illinois. “Dr. Joe,” as his patients call him, is a local rheumatologist, native Peorian and long-time volunteer for a range of organizations. He is also a talented songwriter and musician, and his award-winning photography has appeared in books, magazines, posters, postcards and calendars. Linda, also a native Peorian, was a speech/language pathologist for 28 years before leaving to focus on the couple’s small photography business and spend more time with family. An active volunteer, she enjoys gardening, reading, Bible study, exercise, cooking, traveling, photography and playing bridge.
- Words to live by: Isaiah 40:31. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.
- Favorite vacation spot: When you enjoy photography and hiking, you just can’t beat the national parks. We photographed sunsets in Arches, wildlife in Glacier, and took photos from some of the same spots that Ansel Adams did in Yosemite.
- Greatest adventure: Our trip to the Galapagos Islands was truly an adventure in so many ways: traversing the equator on a 125-foot schooner, enjoying fabulous food al fresco, meeting interesting people from all over the world, seeing unusual animals. Literally, every step was a photo—we took more than 4,000 in all!
- Our greatest influence: We have both been blessed with incredible parents. Joe: My father was creative, kind and compassionate. He encouraged me to try new things and not be afraid to fail. Linda: My mother continues to be the rock in my life. At age 91, she still looks after her family. I hope I can someday learn to be as caring and thoughtful as she.
- What do you do to relax? Joe: Some men play golf for leisure. I play a guitar. Linda: Let me spend some time in the garden and I am as relaxed as I can be. Not everyone gets such joy from digging in the dirt… but I do!
- What are you most proud of? We are proud to be aunt and uncle to 25 nieces and nephews. It has been one of the greatest joys of our lives to watch them grow up, and in some cases, get married and have children of their own. Family gatherings are wild and crazy times!
- How did you meet? I introduced myself to Joe at a music event in Glen Oak Park because my friend wanted to meet him. He called her for my number. The rest is history.
- What is your most embarrassing moment? Watching Joe catch a foul ball at a Cleveland Indians game as his hot dog landed mustard-side-down on the white jacket of the lady sitting in front of us. Everyone thought it was funny… except for the owner of the jacket!
- Have you ever been told you look like someone famous? It’s common for people to stop Joe on the street (mostly when we travel) and tell him he looks like Stephen King. How scary is that!
- Most daring thing you’ve done: Landing by helicopter and hiking on the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska was very exciting, but cycling 37 miles down from the top of Haleakala on Maui took some courage. a&s
