Mokena Native Crosses Marathon Finish Line, Drops to One Knee

CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago Marathon had always been on Dan Pammer's bucket list.

The Lincoln-Way East grad (class of 2007) signed up this year, and was excited to take on the challenge with his family and girlfriend Amanda Lueth cheering him on.

And just one other thing he wanted to accomplish after crossing the finish line of the 26.2-mile race—he planned to propose.

Pammer grew up in Mokena and then moved to Frankfort, where his parents still reside. Lueth is from Ottawa. The two met while at Northern Illinois University, where they both attended law school. Their families made the trip to support Pammer Chicago Oct. 9.

"...So I thought to myself what a great time to pop the question," Pammer told Patch.

The nerves set in as the race neared, but not for the reason one might think. Pammer had never competed in a race longer than a 5K, so he was worried he might not even make it. But as he ran and the finish line neared, he began to piece together what he would say when he asked Lueth to become his wife.

"Amanda always told me that I needed to make sure that her nails were freshly manicured before I popped the question (whenever that was). So when we stood for a picture I said, 'How do your nails look?' and she immediately started freaking out," he joked.

"I instantly knew," Lueth said. "Because I had always told him that if he was going to propose he had to make sure I had just gotten my nails done! I didn't even pay attention to the ring or what he said until he finally said, 'Amanda, come back over here ... and you have to say yes.'"

Pammer was pleased that his devious planning had worked.

"She had no clue that she was carrying the ring in my backpack with all of my clothes for the entirety of the race."

While Lueth was completely surprised that it happened that day, something might have slightly tipped her off.

"...our entire families had their phones out ready to take pictures and videos, so I know something wasn't normal," she said.

"I honestly don't really know what I was thinking afterwards. I was so shocked, surprised and happy, but it was also his day. He had just ran 26.2 miles!" she said.

The delivery reflected much of what she loves about Pammer, including his sense of humor and thoughtfulness.

"He makes me laugh even on my worst days, and he puts my wishes before his own," she said.

After the proposal, the couple invited friends and family back to their home in Logan Square to celebrate (the engagement and Pammer's finishing the marathon).

Pammer picked out the ring on his own.

"And it is absolutely stunning," she remarked. "I couldn't have imagined anything better than what he gave me. And it means 100 times more that I had zero say in it."

The two have not yet set a date, but hope for a fall 2017 wedding.

Photos provided by Dan Pammer