June 28, 2009

King 50th

Dr. Bill and Mary King celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 20 with a trip to Branson, Mo., with their family. A family dinner and family games were hosted by their children, Carolee Hoffman and husband Scott, and Dr. Russell King and wife Susan, all of the Kansas City area, Pamela Tracy and husband Kenny of Great Bend, and Dr. Roberta King and husband Louis of Narraganset, R.I. An Alaskan cruise is planned in August with medical school classmates that were married on the same day.

Bill King and Mary Miller were married in Lawrence on June 28, 1959, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Bill practiced obstetrics and gynecology in Great Bend for 30 years and Mary was receptionist as well as a member of the USD 428 Board of Education for 14 years. They have six grandchildren.

June 21, 2009

Simpson 75th

Melvin and Tee Simpson will celebrate their 75th anniversary from 3 to 5 p.m. on June 28 with a reception at the Best Western Angus Inn.

Melvin Simpson and Tee Jackson were united in marriage on March 13, 1934, in Osceola, Mo. They moved to Great Bend in 1941.

Hosts for the event will be the couple’s children, Ruby Feil and Barbara Espinosa of Great Bend, Doris Case of California and Kenny Simpson of Arkansas. The couple has 20 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Smith 65th

LeRoy and Jean Smith, of rural Hoisington, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with a week-long camping trip to Lake Wilson.

LeRoy Smith and Jean Johnson were united in marriage on June 5, 1944, at the First Methodist Church in Hoisington. During World War II, LeRoy worked at Beech Air Craft in Wichita, returning to Hoisington in 1945 where he worked for Gieman Appliance for 18 years. In 1963 the couple opened their own appliance business, "Smith Appliance Center", which they operated until retirement.

Joining the couple on their camping trip were their daughter, Connie and Eldon Schultz, grandchildren, Terry and Sherry Schultz, Troy and Tammie Schultz, great-grandchildren, Robert, Madi, Eva, grandchildren, Becky and Brian Smith and great-grandchildren, Shelby, Brian II and Shyanne and daughter Beth and Bill Varney and great-grandchild Connor, all of Enid Okla.; daughter, Carol and Ron Polzin, grandchildren, Lori Owen, great-grandchildren, Jacob, Seth and Abi, all of Hoisington, grandson, Scott and Alicia Polzin of Woodland Hills, Calif.; daughter, Cathy and Gary McCurdy of Emporia, grandchildren, Chris and Kelly McCurdy of Manhattan, and Tina McCurdy of Junction City; son Lee and Jane (Oetting) Smith of Concordia, grandchildren, Derek and Lindsey Smith and great grandchild, Lyla of Springfield, Mo., and granddaughter, Kayla Smith of San Marcos, Texas; and son Roger and Dorothy (Cruse) Smith and grandchildren, Pat, Ian, Hannah and Amy, all of Milton, W.Va.; and niece Kay and Roger Rankin of Hiawatha.

Richard 50th

Mr and Mrs. Richard will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a come-and-go open house from 2 to 4 p.m. today at the Jordaan Room at 5th and Broadway in Larned. Hosts for the event will be their family. The couple requests no gifts.

June 14, 2009

Wagner 50th

Harold and Norma Wagner will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a reception from 2 to 5 p.m. on June 21 at the Trinity Lutheran Church basement in Otis. Family and friends are invited to help them celebrate. Hosts for the celebration are daughters, Deby Newsome and Kimberly Roach and husband Jay Roach, and their grandchildren, Courtney Wagner, Jayden Roach and Jacob Roach.

Harold Wagner and Norma Hartman were united in marriage on June 21, 1959, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Otis. They have resided in Otis all their lives, work in Great Bend and also watch their grandchildren in Great Bend during the week. They enjoy hot air ballooning every October in New Mexico, and have been on a chase crew for the last 20 some years.

Cards may be sent to them at Box 83, Otis, Kansas 67565. The couple requests no gifts

Legleiter 50th

LeeRoy and Leota Legleiter will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a reception on June 21 for family and friends. Hosts for the event will be their children, Roxann and Kent Keenan and Lisa and Steve Neeland, all of Great Bend, Karla and Melvin Schartz of Olathe, Colleen and Alan Juergensen of Hutchinson, Kevin and Rebecca Legleiter of Broken Arrow, Okla., Michelle and Chris Schneider of Olmitz, Lori and Brent Coup of Clovis, Calif. and Jill and Rob Nelson of Topeka. The couple has 14 grandchildren.

LeeRoy Legleiter and Leota Meier were united in marriage on June 13, 1959 in Hays. Residents of Great Bend, LeeRoy is retired from the oilfield after 43 years. Leota is employed by J.C. Penney's.

June 7, 2009

Crane 60th

A.G. and Gloria Crane celebrated their 60th anniversary on May 27 with family members.

Albert George, (A.G.) Crane and Gloria Alice Umberger were united in marriage on May 27, 1949, in Syracuse. They have resided and farmed in rural Larned since that time. The couple have two sons, Alan Crane of Larned and David Crane of Great Bend. Another son, Chris Crane, is deceased. They also have six grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

Fisher 60th

Lawrence and Juanita Fischer will celebrate their 60th anniversary from 2 to 4 p.m. on June 14 at the Stafford Senior Center. Family and friends are invited. Hosts for the event are their children and spouses, Jane and Joe Byer of Stafford, Carolyn and Darrell Willson of Hutchinson, and Lee and June Fischer of Austin, Texas. They have eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchiidren.

Lawrence Fischer and Juanita Blakeslee were married on June 12, 1942, at rural Hudson’s Peace United Church of Christ. He retired from the City of Stafford and she retired from the Stafford Hospital.

Cards may be sent to them at 206 N. Buffalo, Stafford, KS 67578.

Sander 60th

Gilbert (Gil) and Kathleen (Kay) Sander will celebrate their 60th anniversary on June 14 with a reception from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the CPI Annex building at 1809 24th street on north Kansas. Friends and family are invited to attend. Please RSVP. Hosts of the event will be their children.

Gilbert and Kathleen Rajewski were married on June 14, 1949, at Saint Boniface Catholic Church in Vincent. Kathleen attended grade school at Vincent and Gilbert in Victoria. They met at Victoria High School. Gilbert farmed with his folks, and then he started working in the oil field. After their marriage, he worked at the Farmers Store in Victoria as the creamery tester and later in Salina as the production manager for Royal Crown Cola. In 1953, they moved to Hays and Gil went back to the oil patch. In 1955 they moved to Great Bend where he worked for Davis Mud & Chemical for 34 years before retiring in 1994. Kathleen has been a housewife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She’s kept busy with sewing, quilting and working on the genealogy of eight different families.

The couple’s children are Debbie Sander Walker and George Campbell and Debbie’s son Cameron of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada; Glen and wife Becky of Great Bend and their three children, Andrea Babb P.A.-C. and husband Joe of Wichita, Mathew of Wichita and Tyler and wife Liz and their children Tatum and Jordan of Great Bend; Mark and wife Victoria of Gulfport, Miss.; Bert, deceased Nov 16, 2008, his daughter Stephanie Ham and granddaughter Haily of Wichita; Kirk and wife Joan of Great Bend with daughters: Monica Kruse and husband Tony with son Nathan of Bel Aire, Nicole and Brandi of Great Bend; and the late Yvonne Amy and three infants.

Cards may be sent to 1321 Morton, Great Bend, KS 67530. No gifts please.

Adee 65th

Richard G. and Betty L. Adee will celebrate their 65th anniversary with a family dinner in Salina in July. Hosts for the occasion will be their children, Sharon Adee of Truchas, N.M., Julia Jilek of White Bear Lake, Minn., and Lynne and Don Weiser of Salina. The couple has four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Richard G. Adee and Betty L. Krueger were united in marriage on June 4, 1944, in Salina. Richard was employed by Thies Packing Company and HydroChem. Betty was employed by USD 428.

Cards may be sent to them at 2915 22nd, Great Bend, KS 67530.

Burnham 40th

Philip “Mike” and Joyce Burnham will celebrate their 40th anniversary with an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. on June 13 at the Senior Center, 2005 Kansas. Hosts for the event will be their children, Michelle Kaiser and husband Doug and Michael Burnham and wife Meagan, all of Great Bend. The couple has six grandchildren, Brice, Cal, Allison, Cory, Brady and Colby, all of Great Bend.

Philip “Mike” Burnham and Joyce Willesden were united in marriage on June 15, 1969, in Great Bend. Philip is employed by C&V Home Improvement and Joyce is self-employed.

May 31, 2009

Cooper 60th

Bill and Norma Jo Cooper of Chase will celebrate their 60th anniversary with a card shower.

Earl (Bill) Cooper and Norma Jo Miller were united in marriage on June 5, 1949. Bill is was employed by Raymond Oil and is retired from Thunderbird Drilling. Norma works at the Lyons Hospital and is a homemaker. They have two sons, Art Cooper and wife Janie and Craig Cooper and wife Sabine; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Cards may be sent to them at P.O. Box 106, Chase, KS 67524.

May 24, 2009

Herren 50th

Al and Marilyn Herren of Pratt will celebrate their 50th anniversary on May 31. A family gathering is planned for July.

Al Herren and Marilyn Johnson were married on May 31, 1959, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend. They have lived in Pratt since the time of their marriage. Al was employed by USD 382 for 41 years before retiring in 2000. He continues to work as a life insurance representative. Marilyn was employed as a legal secretary and later as an administrative assistant for Pratt and Kingman County District Courts, retiring in 2001. She continues to work part-time for the Pratt County District Court.

The couple has five children, Dedra and husband Brian Daehn of North Liberty, Iowa, Doug Herren and wife Kukuli of Philadelphia, Pa., Denise and husband Rick Courter of Vancouver, Wash., and David Herren and wife Heather and Dayne Herren, all of Pratt; and eight grandchildren, Aubrey and Lauren Manes; Katey, John and Claire Courter, and Destiny, Carissa and Tori Daehn.

Cards and well wishes can be sent to 616 S Jackson, Pratt, KS 67124.

May 17, 2009

Youngers 60th

George and Evelyn Youngers will celebrate their 60th anniversary with an open house from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on May 23 at Garfield Community Center, 300 School St. Hosts for the event will be the couple’s children.

George Edward Youngers and Evelyn T. Marx were united in marriage on May 18, 1949 in Ost. Residents of western Kansas, George is a farmer and Evelyn is a homemaker. The couple have 11 children, Ed and Jan Youngers of Garfield, Carol and Bruce Ross of Torrington, Wyo., Melvin and Linda Youngers of Ephrata, Wash., Loren and Carolyn Youngers of Gardner, Janet and Gary Scheuerman of Garden City, Lora and Robert Meikle of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Lisa and Lance Egan of Derby, Alan Youngers of Larned, Myrna and Jim Hamm of Tampa, Dennis and Danielle Youngers of Nashville, Tenn. and Denise Barnes of Dodge City; 33 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. They have a deceased child, Doreen Amon.

Cards may be sent to them at 824 US Highway 56, Garfield, KS 67529.

April 12, 2009

Dunlap 55th

Mr, and Mrs. Richard and Ramona Dunlap celebrated their 55th anniversary on April 11.

Richard Dunlap and Ramona Meddles were united in marriage on April 11, 1954, in Hastings, Neb. Residents of Great Bend most of their married life, the couple have four children, Matthew Dunlap and spouse, Cheryl Dunlap, of Wylie, Texas, Roxana Hale and spouse, Robert Hale, of Edmond, Okla., Christine Shipman and spouse Earnie Shipman, of Fort Worth, Texas, and the late Kevin Dunlap and surviving spouse, Susan Dunlap of Indianapolis, Ind.; 12 grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

Cards can be sent to the couple at 1619 Park, Great Bend, KS 67530.

Zorn 50th

Gerald and Loretta Zorn of Great Bend will celebrate their 50th anniversary on April 18.

Gerald (Jerry) Zorn and Loretta Soellner were united in marriage on April 18, 1959, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, in Willowdale. Jerry is retired from Great Bend Manufacturing after 34 years. Loretta retired from Aquila after 18 years. She now works part-time at Central Kansas Library System. The couple has two surviving children, Jane and fiancee, Stan Potera, of Vista, Calif. and Brian and Darlene, of Morris Plains, N.J.; a daughter-in-law, Mary, of Katy, Texas; five grandchildren, Chris and Amber of Morris Plains, N.J., and Becky, Abbey and Spencer of Katy, Texas. Their oldest son, Kevin, passed away in 1997.

The couple will celebrate this fall with a trip to Branson, Mo.

Rand 60th

Doyle and Betty Rand will celebrate their 60th anniversary on April 17 with a card shower. Doyle J. Rand and Betty L. Rutter were united in marriage on Easter Sunday, April 17, 1949, in Coats. They have been involved in mobile home parks, a motel and rental property. Doyle also worked in the oilfield for Harms Petroleum for 26 years. They have a son, John and wife Terri of Oklahoma City, Okla., and a daughter, Elaine of Great Bend; three grandsons, Eric of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Tyler and Dylan of Great Bend; and a great-grandson, Brayden of Great Bend.

Cards may be sent to them at 5540 2nd, St., Lot A., Great Bend, KS 67530.

Brining 65th

Raymond and Dorothy Brining will celebrate their 65th anniversary on April 17 with a family dinner in their honor. Raymond Brining and Dorothy Archer were united in marriage in 1944 at the First United Methodist Church in Great Bend. They live on the family farm outside of Great Bend.

Cards may be sent to 161 B SW 30 Ave., Great Bend, KS 67530.

Foos 60th

Franklin and Jeanette Foos of Bazine will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with an open house hosted by their family, from 2 to 4 p.m. on April 25 at the Leisure Years Center in Bazine.

Franklin Foos and Jeanette Brack were united in marriage on April 23, 1949, at the United Methodist Church in Bazine.

The family request no gifts.

March 22, 2009

Schneweis 50th

Jim and Lorraine Schneweis, of Hoisington, will celebrate their 50th anniversary from 2 to 4 p.m. on April 4 with a reception at the Knights of Columbus, 114 N. Main in Hoisington.

Jim Schneweis and Lorraine Maneth were married on April 7, 1959, at St. Michael’s Church in La Crosse. Jim is a pharmacist and Lorraine is a homemaker. They have six children, Michelle and Richard Laurinec and Walter, all of Park City, Patricia and Doug Francis of Salina, Rebecca and Frances Demel of Hoisington, and Charles and Krysty Schneweis of El Dorado; 11 grandchildren; one stepgranddaughter; three great-grandchildren; and three stepgreat-grandchldren.

Cards may be sent to 505 E. 4th St., Hoisington, KS 67544. The couple requests no gifts.

March 15, 2009

Stambaugh 50th

Monte and Elizabeth Stambaugh, Great Bend, will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a reception hosted by their children, from 7 to 10 p.m. on March 21 at the Best Western Angus Inn Courtyard.

Monte Stambaugh and Elizabeth Ellis were united in marriage on March 19, 1959, in Ellinwood. Monte is retired from Rozencrantz-Bemis Wat-erwell and Elizabeth is employed at the Barton County Treasurer’s Office. They have three children, Jean Peter and husband Gary of Hobbs, N.M., Leslie Helsel and husband Gerry of Great Bend and Monte Stambaugh II of Arizona, and five grandchildren.

Cards may be sent to them at 364 B SE 60 Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.

Wornkey 55th

Mr. and Mrs. Donald D. Wornkey Sr., of St. John, will celebrate their 55th anniversary with a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. on March 21 at the First United Methodist Church, 807 East 1st in St. John. The reception is being hosted by their son Donald D. Jr, and his wife, Aurie, their daughter, Carolyn Boles, and her husband, Kent, and their families.

Donald D. Wornkey and Marlene Pohlman were united in marriage on March 17, 1954, at Lewistown, Mont. The couple have two children, three grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Don is a retiree of USD 350 with 20 years of service. Marlene is a retiree of Stafford County Conservation District with 30 years of service.

Cards may be sent to the couple at: 508 North Pearl, St. John, KS 67576.

Lingreen 50th

Joe and Sharon Lingreen of Great Bend will celebrate their 50th anniversary today.

Joe Lingreen and Sharon Baker were united in marriage on March 15, 1959, at the First United Methodist Church chapel in Great Bend. Joe is retried from Smith International after 30 years of service and Medical Park Pharmacy after 13 years of service. Sharon is retired from Primus Sterilizer in Great Bend. They have three children, Rick and Karen Lingreen and their children, Jordan, Josh and Taylor, of Lexington, Ky., Lisa and Danny Kautz and their daughter, Danielle, of Gretna, Neb., and Jeff and Heather Lingreen and their daughter, Cassie, of LaVista, Neb.

The couple will have a family celebration later this year.

March 8, 2009

Siefers 50th

Larry and Sherrie Siefers will celebrate their 50th anniversary on March 12. A reception is being hosted for the couple by their family from 2 to 4 p.m. on March 14 at St. Joseph’s Parish Center in Ellinwood. Family and friends are invited to attend and congratulate them on this milestone anniversary. The couple requests no gifts.

Sherrie Holl and Larry Siefers were married in a small, private ceremony officiated by Father Declan Sheedy the morning of March 12, 1959, at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Great Bend. Ed Schlochtermeier, friend of the groom, and Neva Ann Holl, sister of the bride, were the couple’s attendants.

The Sieferses have been Ellinwood residents throughout their 50 years of marriage. They have five children: Teresa and Kenny Sieker, Mark and Terri Burke Siefers and John Siefers, all of Ellinwood; Jennifer and Fred Albers of Oakley; and Christine Siefers of Wichita. They have 10 grandchildren, Andrew and Rachel Sieker, Jessica, Victoria and Zachary Siefers, all of Ellinwood; Christopher Sieker of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Tyler Parks of Hays; Katie Sieker of Emporia; Anissa Albers of Goodland; and Jeffrey and Kyle Albers of Oakley. The couple has one great-grandson, Caden Sieker of Ellinwood.

Simpson 75th

Melvin and Frances Simpson will celebrate their 75th anniversary on March 13.

Melvin Clay Simpson and Francis Elizabeth Jackson were married on March 13, 1934, in Osceola, Mo. They have been residents of Great Bend since Nov. 1, 1941. The couple have six children; 22 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; and 16 great-great-grandchildren.

March 1, 2009

Stremel 50th

Roger and Jan Stremel of Ellinwood celebrated their 50th anniversary on Feb. 28 in Wichita with a family weekend.

Roger Stremel and Janis Libby were married on Feb. 28, 1959, in Hutchinson. Roger is retired from teaching math at Ellinwood High School after 37 years. Jan is retired after 21 years in banking. They love to travel and plan to continue seeing the world in their retirement.

Their children and their spouses are Scott and Julie Stremel of Wichita, Dan and JoEllen Stremel of Dodge City, Doug and Mickey Stremel of Lawrence and the late Tami Stremel. The couple has nine grandchildren, Meghan, Josslyn, Alec, Jenna, Zak, Connor, Jared, Ryan and Lauren Stremel.

February 15, 2009

Thul 60th

Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Thul celebrated their 60th anniversary on Feb. 14 with a family dinner.

The couple were married on Feb. 14, 1949, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood. They have four children, 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Heine 60th

Alvin and Frances Heine will celebrate their 60th anniversary on Feb. 20.

Alvin Heine and Frances Mills were united in marriage on Feb. 20, 1949, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Ellinwood. The couple have lived on the farm where Alvin was born in Chase. Alvin is a retired farmer and Frances is a retired registered nurse.

The couple have three children, Michael and Nancy Heine of Chase, Glenn and Linda Heine of Ellinwood, and Brenda and Richard Evans of Spanish Fork, Utah. They have five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The couple will celebrate with a family reunion in March.

Cards may be sent to them at 375 Ave. K., Chase, KS 67524.

Keenan 40th

Dennis J. and Eileen Keenan celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with their family. Their son, Ryan and his wife Heather, flew from Connecticut and all the children and spouses hosted a surprise dinner at McCormick and Schmicks on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Mo.

Dennis J., from Seward, and the former Eileen Anschutz, from Dorrance, were married on Jan. 31, 1969, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Great Bend. They lived in Topeka, where Dennis went to Washburn Law School and Eileen worked as a nurse. They moved back to Great Bend, where he is a practicing attorney at Keenan and Boeckman Attorneys at Law, PA. Eileen continues to be a registered nurse. They enjoy spending time in Kansas City with their children and grandchild. Their children and spouses are Ryan and Heather Keenan of Newington, Conn., Jennifer and Bryan Robbins of Kansas City, Mo., and Patrick and Danielle Keenan of Olathe. They have one grandson, Brady Robbins, and are expecting two grandchildren.

Cards may be sent to the couple at 2706 Pheasant Place, Great Bend, KS 67530.

Birzer 30th

Steven J. and Brenda Birzer of Ellinwood will celebrate their 30th anniversary with a reception for family and friends from 2 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the St. John Lutheran Youth Center in Ellinwood.

Steven J. Birzer and Brenda Sue Schartz were married on Feb. 24, 1979, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood. Steven is a parts manager for Stewart and Stevenson. Brenda is a homemaker and paraprofessional for the USD 428 school district.

Hosts for the event will be the couple’s children, Stacie and husband Aaron of Wamego, Brad of Ellinwood, and Kristin and husband Josh of Derby; and their grandchildren, Kylee, Clayton, Sarah, and Rebekah of Wamego, and Ryan and Reese of Derby.

Cards may be sent to the couple’s home in Ellinwood.

January 18, 2009

Beckwith 45th

Keith and Oleta Beckwith, Great Bend, will celebrate their 45th anniversary with their family on Monday.

Beckwith and the former Oleta Weaver were married Jan. 19, 1964, in Larned. He was a loan officer for 41 years, including St. Joseph, Mo., Stafford and Liberal. He recently retired from Lorraine State Bank. Oleta has worked at Central Kansas Medical Center as a medical transcriptionist and is now employed by USA Gymnastics.

Their children and spouses are Darren and Lisa Beckwith and Aaron and Jill Sauer, all of Ellinwood. They have six grandchildren, Danielle, Darrien, Delaney, Mallory, Ethan and Madison.

Cards may be sent to them at 4112 Third Street, Great Bend, KS 67530.

January 11, 2009

Morgenstern 70th

Mr. and Mrs. Martin Morgenstern of Great Bend celebrated their 70th anniversary on Dec. 25. Martin and Wilma were married Christmas evening at the Methodist Church in Otis in 1938. Martin served in the Armed Forces during World War II from 1942 to 1945. The Morgensterns moved to Great Bend shortly after the Hoisington tornado in 2001.

Cards may be sent to the couple at 371 W. Westhoff Place, Gardner, KS 66030.

December 28, 2008

Doonan 40th

Roy and JoAn Doonan of Great Bend will celebrate their 40th anniversary at 5 p.m. on Dec. 27, with a Blessing Mass at St. Patrick Church. A family dinner will follow at the Classic Inn, and a trip to Dallas, Texas.

Roy Doonan and JoAn Herrenbruck were married on Dec. 28, 1968, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Seward. They have lived in Garden City, Hutchinson and Great Bend. JoAn taught school in Garden City, and was a substitute teacher in Hutchinson and Great Bend. Roy has worked in finance and lending their entire marriage, currently managing the Credit Union of America branch in Great Bend.

The couple have five children and six grandchildren: Douglas of Tucson, Ariz., Dallas and wife Jamie, sons Tanner and Chase of Wichita, Kolette of Tucson, Davin and wife Brenda, daughters Kiley, Kinley, and Kendal of Andale, and Kandace Skolaut and husband Jay, and daughter Mary of Wichita.

December 21, 2008

Poppelreiter 50th

Clarence and DeeAnn Poppelreiter, of Holyrood, will celebrate their 50th anniversary with an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 28 at St. Mary’s Parish House, 207 Frank, in Holyrood. The couple will renew their vows on Dec. 28 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, following the morning Mass. Hosts for the open house are their daughter-in-law Kelly Poppelreiter and granddaughter Amanda Fisher, both of Hutchinson.

Clarence Poppelreiter and DeeAnn Blankenship were united in marriage on Dec. 27, 1958, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Bushton. Residents of Holyrood for most of their married life, Clarence retired from Enron and DeeAnn is a homemaker. The couple have four sons, Brad of Pratt, Joe and Kelly of Hutchinson, Mike and Debby of Ellinwood and Bill and Shelly of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; a daughter-in-law, Marla of Great Bend; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Cards may be sent to the couple at Box 212, Holyrood, KS 67450.

Schugart 50th

Larry and Kathy Schugart of Great Bend celebrated their 50th anniversary with a private family dinner at Yia Yias Bistro in Wichita. Following a few days in Wichita with their children and grandchildren, the couple spent a week in New York City.

Larry Schugart and Kathy Krueger were united in marriage on Nov. 22, 1958, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Great Bend. Larry has been associated with Landmark National Bank for more than 45 years, retiring as president and chief executive officer in 2001. He serves the company as chairman of the board. Kathy is a homemaker and worked in retail sales for several years after her children were grown.

Their children and their spouses are: Brenda and Scott Richardson of Pratt, Rhonda and Stan Rickert of Wichita, Jeff and Mary Schugart of Overland Park and Rex and Jan Schugart of Olathe. Grandchildren are: Sara and Brad Richardson; Brett, Austin and Ali Rickert; Michael, Anne, John and Grant Schugart; and Ty and Ryan Schugart.

December 14, 2008

Straub 40th

Kenneth (Mert) and Doris Straub of Otis will celebrate their 40th anniversary with a reception for family and friends from 2 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 20 at the elementary school in Otis. Hosts for the celebration will be their children, Melissa and husband Eric Swift of Wilmington, Mass., Tami and husband Curtis Christiansen of Enid Okla., and Sharnelle and husband Chris Herrman of Great Bend; and their grandchildren, Chandler, Gage and Courtney Christiansen, Kendra and Aiden Swift, and Hunter Herrman.

Mert Straub and Doris Bartonek were married on Dec. 21, 1968, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Olmitz. Mert is retired from BOC Gases and Doris is the head cook at USD 403.

December 7, 2008

Hanhardt 15th

Robert and Delores Popp DeWald Hanhardt of La Crosse will celebrate their 15th anniversary with a card shower. The couple were married on Dec. 11, 1993, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hays, with the Rev. James Strasen officiating. Their children and spouses are Ron and Juanita Hanhardt of Otis, Jim and Shelly Hanhardt of Sturgis, S.D., Mark and E.J. DeWald, Alexander, and Janice and Don Huthoefer of Sierra Vista, Ariz.

Cards may be sent to them at Box 652, La Crosse, KS 67548.

November 23, 2008

Breit 25th

Richard and Patricia Breit will celebrate their 25th anniversary on Nov. 19.

Richard Breit and Patricia Bremenkamp were united in marriage on Nov. 19, 1983, in Great Bend. They have a son, Mathew Breit of Great Bend. Richard is employed by the Great Bend Fire Department. Patricia is employed by Pratt Regional Medical Center.

Cards may be sent to the couple at 4104 2nd St., Great Bend, KS 67530.

Hinson 50th

Gary and Pat Hinson, of Great Bend, celebrated their 50th anniversary on Nov. 16 with a family dinner at the Brookville Hotel in Abilene.

Gary Hinson and Patricia Blake were united in marriage on Nov. 23, 1958, at the Methodist Church in Delphos. They moved to Great Bend in 1974, coming from Concordia. Pat retired after 50 years as a beautician. Gary retired after 38 years from Betts Bakery Company Rainbow Bread. The couple have three children, Greg and Aliena Hinson, Tom and Michelle Hinson and Tammy Hinson, all of Great Bend; and five grandchildren.

Cards may be sent to them at 1505 Adams, Great Bend, KS 67530.

Bitter 60th

Harry and Irene Bitter of Hoisington will celebrate their 60th anniversary with a reception for family and friends from 2 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 29 at the Highland Manor in Great Bend.

Harry Bitter and Irene Deutsch were united in marriage on Nov. 21, 1948, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Susank. Harry is a semi-retired farmer/rancher and continues work as an contract oil field pumper. Irene is a lifelong homemaker and retired from the nursing field.

Hosts for the event will be the couple’s sons; Ken and wife Cindy of Columbus, Ohio, Fred and wife Tracy of Hoisington, and Greg and wife Heather of Hoisington; along with their grandchildren, Josh and wife Kelly of Columbus, Kurt of Chicago, Ill., and Zach, Cole Bilbrey, Sydnie Bilbrey, Shaelynn, and Trey all of Hoisington.

Cards may be sent to the couple’s home in Hoisington.

November 16, 2008

Karst 70th

Robert and Frieda (Mai) Karst of Russell, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Nov. 20, with a card shower.

Robert and Frieda (Mai) Karst were married on Nov. 20, 1938, at the American Lutheran Church in Milberger. The couple have two children, Bonita Ney and husband Merlin of Russell, and Brenda Riedl and husband Frank of Great Bend; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Karst will enjoy a private celebration with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Cards may be sent to them at 1238 N Brooks, Russell, KS 67665.

November 2, 2008

Almquist 50th

Kenneth and Dorothy Almquist will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a reception from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 29 at the First Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Hosts for the celebration will be their children, Brent and Virginia Almquist of Clinton, Okla., and Diane and Ken Albin of Austin, Texas. They have four grandchildren, Charlie and Clay Almquist and Katherine and Emma Albin.

Kenneth Almquist and Dorothy Schmidt were united in marriage on Nov., 8, 1958, at Zion Lutheran Church in Portland, Ore.

The couple request cards only. Cards may be sent to 707 East 5th Street, La Crosse, KS 67548.

October 19, 2008

Riedel 50th

John B. and Imelda Riedel of Olmitz will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a family dinner.

John B. Riedel and Imelda Lichter were united in marriage on Oct. 20, 1958, at St. Ann’s Church in Olmitz. The couple’s children are Brenda Riedel, Sandy and Charlie Urban of Olmitz, Tom and Keela Riedel of Holyrood, Richard and Shelley Riedel of Hoisington, Linda and Tom Pechanec of Timken and Sheila and Paul Schilowsky of Great Bend. They have 14 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and two step-great-grandchildren.

Best 50th

Robert R. and Frances Best will celebrate their 50th anniversary with an open house reception from 2 to 4 p.m. today at the Bushton Community Center on North Main Street in Bushton.

Robert Best and Frances McKenna were married Nov. 6, 1958, in Hutchinson. A rededication service was held Oct. 18 in Hutchinson. The couple’s son, Curtis Ray, was born on Sept. 10, 1960. Curtis passed away on March 10, 2005.

Bob retired from Enron in 1993 after 32 years of service. Fran was employed by Bushton State Bank and owned Bushton Insurance Agency.

The couple request no gifts. Cards may be sent to P.O. Box 71, Bushton, KS 67427.

Schremmer 60th

Wilfred and Cecilia Schremmer will celebrate their 60th anniversary on Oct. 26. Cecilia Schremmer will also be celebrating her 85th birthday.

Cards may be sent to them at 1216 Sheridan, Great Bend, KS 67530.

October 12, 2008

Karlin 50th

The children of Ron and Virginia Karlin hosted a 50th anniversary celebration for their parents with a family gathering at Candlewick Inn Resort on Grand Lake.

Those attending were their children and their families, Kathy, Jim, Jenna and Eric Hayes of Great Bend; Christi, Rodney, Jason, Kellie and Josh Roy of Hays; Diana and Ryan Hocker of Bedford, Pa.; and Doug, Natalie, Kayden and Austin of Wichita. Other family members attending were Don and Lucille Davis, June and Steve Hillman, Scot, Dawn, Amber, Christian and Michael Sisson, and Kyle, Jami, Taylor, Nicholas and Elle Ann Reed all of Great Bend; Jeff, Margo and Brock Davis of Ottawa; Jana Spielman and family of Arkansas City; Bob and Lisa Linke of Norman, Okla.; Justin, Alex, Chris Johnson and girls of Foster, Okla.; Steve and Gayla Linke, Sandy and Rick McKown, and Selena Condit, all of Duncan, Okla.

Huslig 60th

Leverne and Marilee Huslig will celebrate their 60th anniversary with an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 19 at St. Joseph Parish Center in Ellinwood.

Leverne Huslig and Marilee Feist were united in marriage on Oct. 9, 1948, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, north of Ellinwood. Leverne is a “retired” farmer and Marilee is a homemaker.

The couple’s children and their spouses are: John Huslig of Alexandria, Va.; Dan and Elva Fellers of Topeka; Jeff and Terri Huslig and Bennett Huslig, all of Ellinwood; Dan and Martine Huslig of Dripping Springs, Texas; Tom and Laura Jones of Yorba Linda, Calif.; and the late Gene and Debbie Huslig. They have 15 grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and four stepgreat-grandchildren.

October 5, 2008

Hlavaty 50th

Joe and Justina Hlavaty of Olmitz will celebrate their 50th anniversary with an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 12 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Olmitz.

Joe Hlavaty and Justina Maneth were married on Oct. 6, 1958, at St. Michael’s Church in La Crosse. He is retired from the U.S. Postal Service and presently farms. She is retired from Fuller Brush and is a homemaker.

Hosting the event will be their children, Geralyn and Chuck Wegener, Mark and Kay Hlavaty and Kevin and Camie Hlavaty, all of Olmitz, and Nancy Hlavaty of Kansas City, Mo. The couple have five grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and three step-great-grandchildren.

Cards may be sent to P.O. Box 201, Olmitz, KS 67564. The couple request no gifts.

Owen 50th

Billy and Barbara Owen of Seward will celebrate their 50th anniversary from 3 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 18, with a reception at the Senior Center, 2005 Kansas, in Great Bend.

Billy Owen and Barbara Mendenhall were united in marriage on June 1, 1958. The couple has four children, Balinda and Mark Ochs, Bridgette Weathers, and Billie Rogers and Doug Doty, all of Great Bend and Byron Owen of Hutchinson; seven granddaughters; four stepgrandsons, one great-granddaughter; four great-grandsons; and one step-great-granddaughter.

The couple request no gifts. Cards may be sent to them at 307 East 4th St., Seward, KS 67576.

September 28, 2008

Torrez 60th

Jess and Josefina “Jo” Torrez will celebrate their 60th anniversary today with an anniversary Mass at St. Rose and a family dinner. Hosts for the dinner will be their children, Jessie J. Torrez and wife Pat and Maria T. Anderson and husband Ray. The couple has four grandchildren and four great-granddaughters.

Jess Torrez and Josefina Hernandez were united in marriage on Sept. 28, 1948, in Larned. Jess is a former Barton County Commissioner and is retired. Jo was a cook at the Golden Belt Grill. The couple have lived in Great Bend for 60 years.

Boor 50th

Bernard and Carole Boor will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a Mass at 8 a.m. on Oct. 5 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Odin and a family dinner, followed by an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Holyrood American Legion Hall. Hosts for the open house will be the couple’s children, Steve of Sylvan Grove, Connie of Hoisington, Mark of Claflin, Chris of Great Bend and Patrick of Otis; and seven grandchildren. The couple has two great-grandsons.

Bernard Boor and Carole Jiricek were united in marriage on Oct. 7 in Ellsworth.

The couple request no gifts.

Brack 50th

Karl and Reta Brack will celebrate their 50th anniversary on Sept. 28. Karl Brack and Reta Hill were united in marriage on Sept. 28, 1958, at the First Christian Church in Hoisington.

Karl was in banking for 35 1/2 years and Reta was a secretary and homemaker. The couple have two children, Brad Brack and wife Phyllis of Great Bend and Scott Brack and wife Rhonda of Wichita; and five grandchildren, Ashlea Noonan, Andrea Brack, Lexie Brack, Zachary Brack and Taylor Brack.

Worman 50th

Richard and Barbara Worman, of Ellinwood, will celebrate their 50th anniversary with an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 5 at St. John’s Lutheran Church Youth Center, 5th and Wilhelm in Ellinwood.

Richard Worman and Barbara Bryant were united in marriage on Oct. 7, 1958, at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Richard is a retired postal clerk-carrier and service station operator. Barbara is a housewife and drives the senior bus.

Hosts for the event will be their children, Robert and Marti Worman of Derby, Randall and Ruth Amerine of Lecompton and Bruce Worman of Ellsworth. The couple has four grandchildren and one step-grandchild.

Cards may be sent to them at 310 East Third, Ellinwood, KS 67526-1636. The couple request no gifts.

September 21, 2008

Drewel 40th

Tom and Marie Drewel will celebrate their 40th anniversary with a dance for friends and family at 7 p.m. on Sept. 27 at the American Legion in Great Bend. Hosts for the celebration are Anneda Drewel and Tommy and Kristi Drewel.

Thomas G. Drewel and Marie E. Addington were united in marriage on Sept. 28, 1968, at the Harrinson Street Baptist Church. The couple have three children, Anneda Drewel of Ellinwood, Tommy Drewel of Holton and the late Tammy Drewel; and three grandchildren, Chris Julian and Melissa Julian of Stafford and MacKenzie Drewel of Holton.

The couple requests no gifts.

Donecker 60th

Hap and Lola Donecker, along with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, will celebrate their 60th anniversary from 2 to 4 p.m. today at the First Christian Church, 5230 Broadway, with a come-and-go shower.

Lewis H. “Hap” Donecker and Lola A. Bauer were united in marriage on Sept. 19, 1948, in Dighton.

The couple requests no gifts.

September 14, 2008

Frieb 25th

Timothy and Amy Frieb will celebrate their 25th anniversary on Sept. 17 with a card shower.

Timothy Frieb and Amy Horacek were united in marriage on Sept. 17, 1983, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Olmitz. Tim is a self-employed farmer and owns Frieb Seeds. Amy is a para-educator for USD 431 in Hoisington. The couple have three children, Chelsea Pechanec and husband Mark of La Crosse, Karl Frieb and Eric Frieb, both of the home.

Cards may be sent to them at P.O. Box 204, Olmitz, KS 67564.

September 7, 2008

Stueve 50th

Kenneth and Aggie Stueve will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a trip to Canada and the northwestern United States. The couple were married on Sept. 13, 1958, at St. Patrick Church in Great Bend. Their children, Susan and Kim Tyson of Phluegervill, Texas, Vincent and Holly Stueve of Round Rock, Texas, and Steven Stueve of Stafford, are requesting a surprise card shower for them. They have eight grandchildren.

Cards may be sent to them at 1810 Odell, Great Bend, KS 67530.

Richardson 35th

Chuck and Cheryl Richardson of Great Bend celebrated their 35th anniversary on Aug. 24. The couple were married at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Timken in 1973.

Mr. Richardson is employed by the Great Bend Post Office and Mrs. Richardson is employed by IHS of Great Bend. They enjoy playing golf and spending time with their children, Troy and Amy Stein of Great Bend and Brian and Stacey Cook of Olathe. The couple has four grandchildren, Aaron and Tyler Stein and Aubrey and Addison Cook.

VanSteenburgh 40th

Glenn and Carol VanSteenburgh of Great Bend, celebrated their 40th anniversary with family and friends on Aug. 16 at the American Legion in Great Bend. The couple’s son, Mike VanSteenburgh, and daughter-in-law Barbara, of Ellinwood, hosted the celebration.

Glenn VanSteenburgh and Carol Beck were married on Aug. 17, 1968, in Claflin. He is employed by Petroleum Wholesale and she is employed by Central Kansas Medical Center. The couple have two children, David and wife Relinda VanSteenburgh and Mike and wife Barbara VanSteenburgh; one granddaughter; four stepgrandchildren; and five stepgreat-granddaughters.

August 31, 2008

Lear 25th

Mr. and Mrs. Dan and Alicia Lear will celebrate their 25th anniversary on Sept. 3 with a card shower. Dan Lear and Alicia Fox were united in marriage on Sept. 3, 1983, at the St. Patrick’s Church in Harper. The couple have two daughters, Katie Jo Lear and Sarah Jo Lear.

Cards may be sent to the couple at 2711 S. Dry Creek Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.

August 24, 2008

Schmidt 60th

Harold and Elenora Schmidt of Great Bend celebrated their 60th anniversary on Aug. 23. The couple was married at St. Joseph’s Church in Leibenthal in 1948. Their children are, Richard and Kathy Schmidt of Parker, Colo, the late Janice Lang, Aileen and Kevin Bailey of Shawnee. Their grandchildren and great-grandchildren are David Schmidt and son Sheldon of Hays, Mike and Julie Schmidt, daughter Kennedy and sons Garrett and Landon of Parker, Colo, Brandy and Brett Jackson and son Brandon of Denton, Texas, Kendall and Michelle Lang and daughters, Mikayla and Monica of Great Bend, and Stephanie Jackson, daughter Madison and son Harrison of Parkville, Mo.

McCaulley 50th

Roger and Janice McCaulley of Ellsworth will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. on Aug. 31 at the First United Methodist Church in Ellsworth. Friends and family are invited.

Roger McCaulley and Janice Florell were united in marriage on Sept. 6, 1958, at the Amana Lutheran Church in Scandia. Roger is retired after 40 years of service from the Kansas Department of Transportation. Janice is retired after 29 years of service from U.S.D. No. 327. They have two children, Russell and Rachel McCaulley of Great Bend and Shirlene and Max Shepard of Bennington, and four grandchildren.

Cards may be sent to them at 1014 Stanberry, Ellsworth, Ks. 67439.

August 17, 2008

Bosley 50th

Howard and Phyllis Bosley will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. on Aug. 23, poolside at the Highland Hotel. Hosts for the event will be their children and their spouses, Gene and Cindy Bosley of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Bob and Tammy Bosley of Raymore, Mo., and Eric Bosley of Augusta. The couple have 10 grandchildren.

Howard Bosley and Phyllis Bantam were united in marriage on Aug. 24, 1958, at the Presbyterian Church in Orleans, Neb. Howard is employed by Northern Natural Gas Company in Great Bend and Bushton as a mechanical engineer and management. Phyllis is a homemaker and volunteer.

Winkler 50th

Bill and Edith Mae Winkler of Larned will celebrate their 50th anniversary with an open house for friends and family from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 20 at the First Southern Baptist Church Activity Building, 13th and Mann, in Larned.

The couple request no gifts.

August 3, 2008

Karst 35th

Allen and Doris Karst will celebrate their 35th anniversary with a cruise and tour of Alaska and Canada.

Allen Karst and Doris Wapelhorst were married on Aug. 11, 1973, at St. Patrick Church in Great Bend. Allen is employed by the U.S. Post Office in Great Bend. Doris is employed by USD 428 Food Service.

The couple have two children and four grandsons: Amy and husband David Paden and sons Mason, Daulton and Dylon, and Tim and wife Shari Karst and son Cody, all of Great Bend.

July 20, 2008

Wilborn 40th

Keith and Miriam Wilborn will celebrate their 40th anniversary with a family barbecue hosted by their children, Brian and Cindy Wilborn and children, Hannah, Madison and Nolan of Kingman; Krista and Ben Brewer and children, Avery and Livvy of Hoisington; and Kari and Chad Bloomer and children, Chandler, Chase and Boston of Ottawa.

Keith Wilborn and Miriam Schremmer were married on July 20, 1968, at St. John Catholic Church in Hoisington. He is the vice president of Clinic Operations at Clara Barton Clinic in Hoisington. Miriam is a sales associate with Keller Real Estate. The couple live in Hoisington and enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.

July 6, 2008

Stoskopf 70th

Willis and Elizabeth Stoskopf will celebrate their 70th anniversary with a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. on July 13 at the First United Methodist Church, 467 W. 3rd in Hoisington. Hosts for the event will be the couple’s daughters and their families, Beth Lee and Wayne Flohr and Ruth Dawn and Sid Cain.

Willis and Elizabeth were married on July 10, 1938, in Hagerman, N.M.

June 28, 2008

League 50th

Roy and Joan League will celebrate their 50th anniversary on July 6 with their five children and their families. The couple has seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Roy League and Joan Gardner were married on July 6, 1958, at Andover. Mr. League is retired from his former business, Parts, Inc. Mrs. League is employed by the Town and Country Racquet Club.

June 22, 2008

Richter anniversary

Melvin and Ellen Richter of Great Bend will celebrate their anniversary from 2 to 4 p.m. on July 5 at the Best Western Angus Inn courtyard, 2920 W. 10th. Hosts for the event will be their children, Don Richter, Lynn and Dorothy Richter and Linda and Leon Brady. The couple has five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Linenberger 50th

Gerald and Victoria Linenberger, of Sterling, will celebrated their 50th anniversary with a family trip to Puerto Vallarta.

Gerald Linenberger and Victoria Ramirez were married on June 11, 1958, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Olmitz. Residents of Lakewood, Colo., most of their married life, Gerald is a welding supervisor at General Iron Works in Englewood, Colo. and Victoria is a medical assistant at Woodridge Orthopedic Clinic in Wheat Ridge, Colo. The couple has three children, Dennis and Linda Linenberger of Lakewood, Colo., Cynthia and Jerry Butler of New Castle, Colo., and Michael and Shelly Linenberger of Wilsonville, Ore.; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Cards may be sent to 402 S. Broadway Ave., Sterling, KS 67579.

Feldman 65th

Harold and Clara Feldman will celebrate their 65th anniversary on July 2 with a card shower. The couple were married on July 2, 1943, in Ozark, Ala. They have two children, Richard Feldman of Winfield and Deanna Thomas of Hays; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Cards may be sent to them at 691 W. Barton County Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.

Bright 60th

Russell and Norma Bright of St. John will celebrate their 60th anniversary from 2 to 4 p.m. on June 28 with an open house at the First Baptist Church in St. John, 4th and Exchange. Hosts for the event will be their children and families, Mike and Alicia Bright of Napa, Calif., Connie and Bruce Carey of Sterling, Keith and Kathleen Bright of Salina, Carol and Don McLeod of Oswego, Coette and Bob Lewis of Wichita, and Carmen and Steve Hamilton of Northville, Mich.

Russell Bright and Norma Parten were married on June 27, 1948, at the Friends Church in Beaver. Russell is a retired independent oil and gas consultant and Norma is a homemaker.

The couple requests no gifts.

June 15, 2008

Bennett 50th

Gene and Audrey Bennett of Mount Hope, formerly of Great Bend, will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. on June 22 at the Dillon Nature Center, 3002 E. 30th Ave. in Hutchinson. Gene Bennett and Audrey Lamkin were married on Dec. 7, 1958.

Hosts for the event will be their children, Mike and Marty Bennett of Mount Hope, Gail and Chuck Ely of Hutchinson and Kevin and Cathy Bennett of Park City. The couple has six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Cheney 60th

Cecil and Leona Cheney of Hoisington will celebrate their 60th anniversary on June 20 with a card shower. They will celebrate with family at a later date.

Cecil Cheney and Leona Erb were married on June 20, 1948, in Hutchinson. The couple has two children, Carolyn and her husband Jim Mitchell of Prescott, Ariz., and Jolene and her husband Darrel Sparks of Perry, Okla.

Cards may be sent to them at 705 N. Cedar, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Chestnut 60th

Clarence and Leona Chestnut of Great Bend will celebrate their 60th anniversary with a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. on June 22 at the First Church of God, 1224 Baker St., in Great Bend.

Clarence Chestnut and Leona Androes were married on July 6, 1948, in Great Bend. He worked for many years for various construction companies and she worked for various dry cleaners before retiring from Fuller Brush after 15 years.

Hosts for the event will be their children and spouses, Duane and Sharon Lanterman and Lynn and Mary Chestnut, all of Great Bend; Gerald and Ellen Chestnut of Onaga; and Bob and Bonnie Chestnut of Hutchinson. The couple have seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Cards may be sent to them at 10 NW 80 Ave., Great Bend, KS 67530.

June 8, 2008

Kirmer 50th

Bernard "Ben" and Shirla Kirmer will celebrate their 50th anniversary with an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. on June 14 at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center in Claflin. Hosts for the celebration will be their children, Gary and Patricia Kirmer, Alan and Kathy Kirmer, Rita and Alan Stueder, Lora and Joe Zink and Marvin and Bobette Kirmer, all of Claflin, and Dennis and Jan Kirmer of Hays; and their 19 grandchildren.

Bernard Kirmer and Shirla Moore were married on June 14, 1958, at the Sacred Heart Church in Larned.

The couple requests no gifts.

Strobel 50th

John and Connie Strobel of Great Bend celebrated their 50th anniversary with a trip to Pueblo, Colo., where their son Mike and his wife Heather hosted a reception for them. The couple then stayed at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo., where they celebrated their son Mike and Heather's anniversary.

John Strobel and Connie Pryor were married on June 2, 1958, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend. They have two children, Mike and Karen. John retired in 1933 from Colorado State University in Pueblo, as a professor emeritus. Connie is a homemaker.

Nebergall 60th

James and Bettie Nebergall will celebrate their 60th anniversary on June 4 in a celebration Mass at St. George Catholic Church in St. George, Utah.

Mr. Nebergall was employed as a history teacher and basketball coach at Great Bend High School. Mrs. Nebergall began her career as a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse and later worked in the Great Bend school system, teaching advanced English. They now live in St. George, Utah. The couple have three children, Lillian Cross, St. George, Utah, Lynn Matthews, Banamichi, Sonora, in Mexico, and Lexie Engleman, Lawrence.

Cards and congratulations may be sent to the couple at 324 N. 1680 East, Apt. 116 B, St. George, Utah 64790.

June 1, 2008

Jinks 50th

Jerry and Elnora Jinks of Larned will celebrate their 50th anniversary with an open house for friends and family from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on June 7 at the First Southern Baptist Church activity building, 1224 Corse in Larned. The couple requests no gifts.

Kirmer 50th

Bernard "Ben" and Shirla Kirmer will celebrate their 50th anniversary with an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. on June 14 at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center in Claflin. Hosts for the celebration will be their children, Gary and Patricia Kirmer, Alan and Kathy Kirmer, Dennis and Jan Kirmer, Rita and Alan Stueder, Lora and Joe Zink and Marvin and Bobette Kirmer; and their 19 grandchildren.

Bernard Kirmer and Shirla Moore were married on June 14, 1958, at the Sacred Heart Church in Larned.

The couple requests no gifts.

Dykes 65th

Everett and Margaret Dykes, of Great Bend, will celebrate their 65th anniversary on June 5 with a card shower. They will celebrate at a later date with family.

Everett Dykes and Margaret Branscom were married on June 5, 1943, in St. John. The couple farmed in Stafford County for 10 years. Everett was a teacher for 23 years at Larned State Hospital, from where he retired. Margaret is a homemaker.

The couple have four children, Ron and Bettie Dykes of Greenfield, Mo.; Diana and husband Ed Horton and Debbie and husband Tom Smith, all of Springfield, Mo.; and Nancy and husband Dan Ropp, of Springfield, Ore. They have eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Cards may be sent to them at 5314 Eisenhower, Great Bend, KS 67530.

Demel 50th

Robert and Rosemary Demel will celebrate their 50th anniversary on June 7. Robert Demel and Rosemary Staudinger were married on June 7, 1958, at the St. Joseph Church in Beaver.

He is retired from the Farmers and Merchants State Bank in Claflin and she is employed at J.C. Penney in Great Bend. Their children are Sandy and Lance Walters of Great Bend, Kevin Demel of Overland Park, Kimberly and Tim Barmann of Olathe, Brenda Demel of Shawnee, and Kelly and Glorimar Demel of Sherwood, Ore. They have six grandchildren, Ryan, Nicole and Jamie Barmann, Kory Walters, Kyler and Grayce Demel; and two stepgrandchldren, Jason Barmann and Jessica Walters.

Cards may be sent to them at 5612 Eisenhower, Great Bend, KS 67530.

Bieberle 50th

Clarence and JoAnn Bieberle of Hoisington will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a reception-dinner for family and friends at 2:30 p.m. on June 8 at the Knights of Columbus, 114 N. Main, in Hoisington. The celebration will be hosted by their children, Sandy and Mike Demel of Hoisington, Donna and Dwight Nett of Kingman, Betty and Dave Evers of Great Bend and Janel and Richard Rugan of Claflin; and their nine grandchildren.

Clarence Bieberle and JoAnn Luebbers were married on June 9, 1958, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hoisington.

The couple request no gifts.

May 25, 2008

Linenberger 60th

Paul and Bernadine Linenberger will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with an open house reception for family and friends from 2 to 5 p.m. on May 31 at the Prince of Peace Parish Hall, located on Broadway next to St. Patrick's Church in Great Bend.

Hosts for the event will be their children and spouses, Larry and Lisa Linenberger of Olathe, Jerry and Mary Lou Beardslee of Topeka, Ron and Kala Linenberger of Great Bend, and the couple's four grandchildren, three stepgrandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Paul Linenberger and Bernadine Schneider were married May 12, 1948, at St. Anne's Church in Olmitz.

Cards may be sent to 2314 31st, Apt. #8 A, Great Bend, KS 67530.

Bussman 40th

Rick and Derinda Bussman celebrated their 40th anniversary with a family dinner on May 24.

Rick Bussman and Derinda Faye Garret were married on May 24, 1968, at the First United Methodist Church in Turley, Okla. They met at Northeastern Oklahoma College in Miami and completed their college studies at Panhandle A and M. They moved to Great Bend in 1971. Rick is sales manager for Dove Buick and Cadillac agency and Derinda is a retired extension agent for family and consumer science for Barton County.

The Bussmans have two sons, Derrick of Hays and Ryan of Derby and three granddaughters, twins Melynda and Lauren and Shelby Faye of Derby.

May 18, 2008

Sellens 70th

Kenneth and Berdena Sellens will celebrate their 70th anniversary with a reception from 1 to 3 p.m. on May 25 at Wood Haven Care Center in Ellinwood. Hosts for the celebration will be their children, Judy and Roger Harmon of Austin, Texas, Jim and Sharon Sellens of Wasilla, Alaska, Jan and Gordan Westrum of Monument, Colo., Jolene and Mike Boys of Great Bend and Jayne and Steve Klir of Denton, Texas. They have seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Kenneth Sellens and Berdena Bangerter were married on May 28, 1938, in Hutchinson. Residents of Hoisington most of their married lives, they moved to Great Bend after the 2001 tornado. Kenneth was the service manager for Murdy Motors in Hoisington and Berdena was the secretary for the Hoisington Methodist Church. Both are retired.

Cards may be sent to them at Wood Haven Care Center, 510 W. 7th St., Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Deckert 50th

Delbert and Roberta Deckert of Salina will celebrate their 50th anniversary with an open house from 2 to 5 p.m. on June 1 at the First Christian Church, 2727 E. Crawford, in Salina. Hosts for the event will be their children, David and Liz Deckert of Leawood, James and Laurie Deckert of Salina, Nancy and Brian Bergdall of Olathe, and Laura and Larry Whipple of Shawnee. The couple has nine grandchildren. They have a deceased son, Steven Eric Deckert.

Delbert Deckert and Roberta Potter were married on June 1, 1958, at the First Christian Church in Great Bend. They co-own Becker Monument Company in Salina.

Cards may be sent to them at 1304 S. Ninth, Salina, KS 67401.

May 11, 2008

Haynes 40th

Chuck and Marilyn Haynes, of Great Bend, will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary with family and friends on May 31. Hosts for the event will be their children, Dan and Kim Heath of Great Bend, Chuck Jr. and Dana Haynes of Wichita, and Bryan and Kelly Dahl of Overland Park; and their four grandchildren, Kary, Ashtin and Patrick Heath and Kelsey Dahl.

Chuck Haynes and Marilyn Smith were married June 8, 1968, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Great Bend. Residents of Barton County for most of their married life, he has been an attorney in Hoisington and Great Bend. She is a homemaker, was a school counselor at Claflin, and is currently a school counselor at St. John Junior/Senior High School.

Cards of congratulations may be sent to them at 135 SW 60 Avenue, Great Bend, KS 67530.

May 4, 2008

Zorn 60th

Leonard and Elizabeth Zorn will celebrate their 60th anniversary on May 10. The couple was married on May 10, 1948, at St. Catherine Church in Dubuque.

They have two children, David and wife Luella Zorn of Augusta and Hank and wife Diana Mantz of Westmont, Ill.; and five grandchildren, Nick, Nathan and Neal Zorn and Rebecca and Cassandra Mantz.

Kaiser 50th

Don and Janell Kaiser will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a reception and light meal from 4 to 6 p.m. on May 10 at the Great Bend Senior Center, 2005 Kansas Ave. Hosts for the celebration will be the couple's children, Donna Fisher and husband Robert of Colorado Springs, Colo., Dale Kaiser of Kansas City, and Devin Kaiser and wife Kristie of Hoisington; and their grandchildren, Mackenzie Kaiser and Trevor Kaiser of Hoisington, and Anneka Fisher of Colorado Springs.

Don Kaiser and Janell Fisher were married on May 10, 1958, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Great Bend. Don is retired from Stone Sand Company and Janell is employed at Larned State Hospital. They are lifetime residents of Great Bend.

The couple request no gifts. Cards may be sent to them at 2523 8th, Great Bend, KS 67530.

April 27, 2008

Birzer 60th

Lawrence and Catherine Birzer of Ellinwood will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with an open house for relatives and friends from 2 to 4 p.m. on May 3, at the St. Joseph Parish Center in Ellinwood.

Lawrence Birzer and Catherine Esfeld were married on April 27, 1948, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Great Bend.

Hosting the event will be their children, Melvin and Twila Birzer and Connie and Keith Miller, all of Great Bend, Steve and Brenda Birzer of Ellinwood and Jane and Bob Carr of Edmond, Okla., 27 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

The couple request no gifts. Cards may be sent to them at 308 W. 5th St., Ellinwood, KS 67526

April 20, 2008

Huslig 45th

Mercedes and Arthur Huslig will celebrate their 45th anniversary with a family dinner followed by an open house and reception from 2 to 4 p.m. on April 26 at St. Joseph Parish Center in Ellinwood.

Mercedes Hoffman and Arthur Huslig were married on April 27, 1963, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend.

Hosts for the event will be their children, Eugene and Chelli Huslig and Christy and Steve Befort and their five grandchildren. They request no gifts.

April 13, 2008

Waters 50th

Dick and Marie Waters, of Ellinwood, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house from 2 to 4 p.m.on April 20 at the Heritage Center, 103 N. Main in Ellinwood. Hosts for the event will be their children, Duane and Robin Waters of Wellfleet, Neb., and Mark Waters of Ensign.

Dick Waters and Marie Sutton were married Feb. 7, 1958, at the Methodist Church in Fowler. He was a farm manager for Kenneth Scheufler and worked for Barton County Feeders in Ellinwood before his retirement in 2000. He is currently a bus driver for the Ellinwood School District. She has been an Avon representative for 24 years. The couple request no gifts.

Cards may be sent to them at P.O. Box 485, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Radenberg 50th

Glenn and Marvella Radenberg will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. on April 19 at the Best Western Angus Courtyard. Hosts for the celebration will be the couple's children, Mark and Mary Radenberg, David and Maxine Radenberg and John and Debbie Radenberg, all of Claflin; their nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Marvella and Glenn Radenberg were married on April 20, 1959, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend. Residents of Claflin, she is a registered nurse/nurse practitioner and he is a farmer/rancher.

Cards may be sent to them at 109 A Street, P.O. Box 365, Claflin, KS 67525.

April 6, 2008

Ruble 50th

Larry and Vickie Ruble celebrated their 50th anniversary with a family get-together at Wilson's Midland Hotel on March 29. The couple was surprised by their children with an all- expense-paid vacation to Colorado in July.

Larry Ruble and Vickie Boos were married on April 3, 1958, in Alva, Okla. They both work for USD 428 in Great Bend. The couple has three children, DeAnna Moran and Steve of Claflin and Tammy Bell and K.B. and Larry M. Ruble and Lorrie, all of Great Bend; six grandchildren, Nathan Farmer of Kansas City, Suzanne Welcher and Shon, Alisha Bell and Cody Ruble, all of Great Bend, Deidre and Bryce Moran of Claflin; and four great-grandchidren, Ashlyn Prescott and Ashley, Amber and Korbin Welcher, all of Great Bend.

Cards may be sent to the couple at 1401 Broadway, Great Bend, KS 67530.

March 30, 2008

Thomas 50th

David and Carol Thomas of Cincinnati, Ohio, will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a family gathering.

David Thomas and Carol Riedel were married April 16, 1958, at St. Ann's Church in Olmitz with Monsignor A. L. Meyers presiding. He is retired from Ford as superintendent of quality control and Carol from teaching business after 33 years at Lakota School District. Their children and spouses are Bret and Bobbie Thomas of Salem, Conn., Chris and Lisa Hartung of Louisville, Ky., and Brian and Marlo Metzinger of Roswell, Ga. They have four grandchildren, Joshua, Megan, Samuel and Elizabeth Metzinger.

Cards may be sent to them at 5880 Taylor Ridge Dr. West Chester, OH 45069.

Chalfant 50th

Don and Vivian Chalfant will celebrate their 50th anniversary on April 5 with a family gathering hosted by their children and their spouses, Cindy and Steve Hubbell of Spearville and Mark and Tammy Chalfant of Manhattan. They have five grandchildren.

Vivian True and Don Chalfant were united in marriage on April 5, 1958, at the First Christian Church in Hutchinson. Mr. Chalfant works part-time for the Commission on Aging, where he has worked for the past 10 years. Mrs. Chalfant is a retired lab tech for Drs. Swan, Steffan, Evans, and Anol Beahn after 28 years. She also worked for Dr. Don Beahm in the optical shop for five years.

Cards may be sent to the couple at 2105 26th Street, Great Bend, KS 67530.

Mull 50th

Patsy and Gene Mull will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a party given by their children, Natalie and Terry Dueser of Wichita and Tobin and Jerri Ann Mull of Great Bend. The couple has five grandchildren, Brett, Brandon, and Madison of Wichita and Michelle and Aaron of Great Bend; and one great-grandchild, Elliott of Wichita.

Gene Mull and Patsy Smith were married on April 5, 1958, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend.

Cards may be sent to the couple at 1035 Van Buren, Great Bend, KS 67530.

March 9, 2008

Sharp 60th

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard D. Sharp of Great Bend will celebrate their 60th anniversary with a reception for friends and family, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 16, at Central Baptist Church, Lakin and Harrison in Great Bend. Hosts for the reception will be James and Judi Sharp of Derby and Charles and Kathie Sharp of Great Bend. A family brunch with their four children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be held later in March.

Leonard D. Sharp and Virginia Lenora Lonnon were united in marriage on March 13, 1948, at Baker Avenue Baptist Church in Great Bend, now the Central Baptist Church. The have been residents of Great Bend their entire married life. The couple is now retired from farming in Barton and Stafford counties. They operated a 64,000-caged layer poultry facility from 1980 to 2002 and now have a 2,000-swine finishing barn managed by their son. They were rural motor route carriers for The Hutchinson News from 2003 to 2006. Mrs. Sharp was the home ec secretary at Barton County Extension Service prior to 1980.

The couple have four children, Lenora Bruckdorfer and husband Rod of Baltimore, Md., James Sharp and wife Judi of Derby, Charles Sharp and wife Kathie of Great Bend and John Sharp and wife Polly of Kobe, Japan; five grandchildren, Michelle Bruckdorfer Warren and husband Robert of Charlotte, N.C., Jennifer Sharp Findley and husband Troy of Topeka, Jeremy Sharp of Atlanta, Ga., Maeve Sharp, a student of Pittsburg State University, and Lonnon Sharp, a student at Great Bend High School, both of Great Bend; and two great-grandchildren, Dylan Warren of Charlotte, N.C., and Zach Findley of Topeka.

Cards may be sent to them at 204 SE 70 Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.

Simpson 74th

Melvin and Francis Simpson will celebrate their 74th anniversary on March 13. Melvin Clay Simpson and Frances Elizabeth Jackson were married on March 13, 1934, in Osceola, Mo. Residents of Great Bend since 1941, they are retired. The couple has six children, 20 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

Cards may be sent to them at 1221 Sheridan, Great Bend, KS 67530.

February 24, 2008

Herndon 50th

Jean and Sharon Herndon of Smith Center will celebrate their 50th anniversary on March 2. Jean Herndon and Sharon Johnson were married on March 2, 1958, at the United Methodist Church in Lebanon. Mr. Herndon retired from West Plains Energy and Mrs. Herndon is a homemaker.

Cards may be sent to them at 412 Shelton Drive, Smith Center, KS 66967.

February 10, 2008

Thomas 50th

Robert and Marjorie Thomas celebrated their 50th anniversary with a family get-together on Jan. 27.

Robert Thomas and Marjorie Maneth were married on Jan. 29, 1958, at St. Ann’s Church in Olmitz. The couple live on a farm east of Ellinwood. Mr. Thomas is a farmer/stockman and Mrs. Thomas is a housewife.

The couple have four children: John and Dan, both of Chase, Joan Linsner and Raymond of Great Bend and Sharon and Gerald Reichuber of Ellinwood. They have 10 grandchildren, Vanessa and David Anglin of Davenport, Fla.; Melissa Thomas of Kansas City; Corey Thomas, Alex Thomas, Ashley and Abbie Reichuber, all of Ellinwood; Krystal Thomas of Lindsborg; and Lisa Linsner, Laura Linsner and Jason Linsner, all of Great Bend.

Cards may be sent to them at 94 SE 140 Ave., Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Meyer 50th

Don and Erma Meyer will celebrate their 50th anniversary with an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. on March 16 at the Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.

Don Meyer and Erma Kimle were married on Feb. 16, 1958. Residents of Great Bend, Don is employed by MidWest Energy and Erma by Great Bend Credit Bureau.

Hosts for the celebration will be the couple’s children, John and Cindy Lee and Mark and Elaine Meyer, all of Great Bend, Mary and Tony McGee of Joplin, Mo., and Denise and Dr. Jeff Thode of Hutchinson. They have seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren and three stepgreat-grandchildren.

January 27, 2008

McAtee 40th

Terry and Jean McAtee will celebrate their 40th anniversary with a family dinner today. Terry McAtee and Jean Meier were married on Jan. 27, 1968, at Immaculate Conception Church in Claflin.

Mr. McAtee is the general manager for Doonan Peterbilt/GMC of Great Bend. Mrs. McAtee is the front desk receptionist at Eyecare of Great Bend. They have three children: Jena and husband Eric Berschauer of Valley Center; Travis and wife Carol McAtee of Lakin; and Trent and wife Jenny McAtee of Pratt. They have six grandchildren: Reed, Keyton and Gage McAtee; Chance and Cason Berschauer; and Grant McAtee.

January 20, 2008

Winkelman 60th

Maurice and Eloise Winkelman celebrated their 60th anniversary on Jan. 18. They were married in St. John Lutheran Church in Ellinwood and have spent their entire married life in this area.

Their children are Bruce and Jeanette Winkelman of Tulsa, Okla.; Monte and Lonnie Winkelman of Sioux City, Iowa; Tim and Karen Winkelman of Great Bend; and Lois Sierra of Lawrence. Their six grandchildren are Kirk Winkelman of Olathe; Joel and Heather Winkelman of Chapel Hill, N.C.; Justin Winkelman of Storm Lake, Iowa; Alison Winkelman and Philip Sierra and Emma Sierra, all of Lawrence.

Mr. and Mrs. Winkelman are enjoying their retirement at their home in Ellinwood.

McKown 55th

Mr. and Mrs. George M. and Martha J. McKown celebrated their 55th anniversary on Jan. 18. George M. McKown and Martha Lu Johnson were married on Jan. 18, 1953, in Cherokee, Okla.

Residents of Great Bend most of their married life, they owned DaMac Drilling, Inc. and affiliated companies, headquartered in Great Bend. The couple have four sons, David McKown of Great Bend and Maui, Hawaii, Bill McKown of Great Bend, Charles McKown of Arkansas City and James McKown of Kansas City; and seven grandchildren. Mr. McKown is currently under hospice care at Cherry Village.

Cards can be sent to the couple at P.O. Box 370, Great Bend, KS 67530.