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David Weinlick and Elizabeth Runze married at the Mall of America in 1998 in what was basically a blind-date wedding after meeting that same day. Their brief courtship and made-for-the-cameras ceremony drew national media attention.

It also led to nearly two decades of marital bliss, interrupted only by Weinlick's colon cancer.

Last year, with his health deteriorating, the Weinlicks returned to the mall and 

David Weinlick of Woodbury died Sunday after battling the colon cancer for about a year, said Steve Fletcher, a long-time friend and Minneapolis City Council member. Weinlick was 48.

Big smiles, heavy hearts as Mall of America couple renew wedding vows

Fletcher was the campaign manager for Weinlick's very public search for a bride, who was recruited and screened by Weinlick's friends and family. Runze and Weinlick married the same day in a ceremony at the mall.

The story of their unexpected and enduring love will be part of Weinlick's legacy, said Fletcher.

"Oh my gosh," he said. "When I think about the dumb luck through that process, we connected these two people that loved each other so deeply. It's just absolutely astonishing."

Fletcher said funeral arrangements are pending.

During their renewal of vows last year, the couple walked down the aisle to applause and Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World," one of their favorite songs.

"We've had 19 years of fabulous — really, really fabulous," Elizabeth Weinlick said then. "I mean I would take 19 more years of fabulous."

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Tim Nelson

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David Weinlick and Elizabeth Runze married in 1998 in what was basically a blind-date wedding at the mall after meeting that same day. They renewed their vows last year as Weinlick fought colon cancer. He died Sunday.

Dave Weinlick speaks about his battle with cancer.

Evan Frost | MPR News

Dave and Elizabeth "Bethy" Weinlick ride the Carousel.

Groom from Mall of America made-for-TV wedding dies

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