BioM: Thorson, Eileen M. (1955)

Contact: Stan

Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Mertens, Thorson, Mills, Lang, Buchanan, Erickson, Matzke, Albert, Nourse

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 05/05/1955

Thorson, Eileen M. (20 APR 1955)

A home in Withee (Clark Co., Wis.) is awaiting the honeymoon return of Mr. and Mrs. Keith Allen Mertens, who were married April 20, 1955 in a double ring ceremony by the Rev. Donald Rhaesa in St. Katherine’s Church, Owen.  The bride, the former Eileen Marie Thorson, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward G. Thorson, Thorp, while her husband is the son of Mrs. Nicholas Mertens, Withee.

During the 7:30 o’clock candlelight service two vocal solos, "The Lord’s Prayer" and "O Perfect Love", were presented by the groom’s aunt, Mrs. Mary Matzke, Wausau, to organ accompaniment by Ronald Albert of Withee.

Sequin trim and long tapering sleeves featured the mandarin collared fitted bodice of the white gown of imported lace over satin donned by the bride.  The full skirt was embellished with pleated tulle ruffles that flared into a sweep train in back.  Iridescent sequins sparkled in the illusion halo-effect hat that secured her fingertip veil.  She carried a colonial bouquet of red roses and stephanotis.

Pink waltz length frocks of crystallette fashioned with staples bodices and matching alce jackets were worn by the two bridal aides, Loretta Mills, Thorp, a sister of the bride, as matron of honor, and Nona Mertens, a sister of the groom, as bridesmaid.  Small floral garlands were worn in their hair and their colonial bouquets contained light and dark pink roses.

Jerome Thorson, Thorp, a brother of the bride, was best man and Kermit Lang, Unity, a cousin of the groom, was groomsman.  Ushering duties were performed by Leonard Buchanan and Robert Erickson, Withee.

Completing the wedding party was the flower girl, Nancy Nourse, Thorp, a niece of the groom.  She was attired in a floor length gown of dotted nylon designed with short puffed sleeves, a high round neckline with daisies adorning the yoke and each tier of the fully gathered skirt.  A narrow pink velvet ribbon marked the waistline.  She carried a basket of pink and white daisies intermingled with pink roses.

White carnation corsages were worn with the ensembles selected by the mothers of the couple.  Mrs. Thorson was present in a flowered navy blue dress accented with white and navy accessories.  White accessories complemented the navy blue outfit worn by the groom’s mother.

A buffet luncheon was served at the reception in the Community Hall that followed the service.  Upon their return from a honeymoon in northern Michigan the groom will resume his employment with Ryona’s Body Shop in Withee.  His wife is employed in the office of the Thorp Finance Corp. In Thorp.

Coming from out of town for the wedding were guests from Minneapolis, Fond du Lac, Hayward, Milwaukee, Wausau, Unity, Greenwood, Stanley and Marshfield.