BioM: Reinke, Ruth Esther (1966)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Reinke, Churkey, Sorenson, Owens, Mason, Wagener, Purgett, Rusch, Bolles, Boardman, Olson

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/11/1966

Reinke, Ruth Esther (Marriage - 6 August 1966)

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Thorp was the scene Saturday of the wedding of Miss Ruth Esther Reinke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter A. Reinke of Rt. 1 Thorp, and Kenneth Frank Churkey of Rt. 2 Spencer, son of Charles D. Churkey of Withee and Mrs. Emery Sorenson of Owen. The Rev. Robert Olson performed the double ring ceremony before an altar graced with bouquets of pink and white carnations and palms.

The bride entered the church with her father, wearing a floor length bridal gown, the fitted bodice of which featured a Sabrina neckline and long, tapered sleeves. A detachable Watteau highlighted the semi-bouffant skirt of organza. A pearl and sequin crown headpiece secured her elbow length veil. She carried a bridal bouquet of pink orchids, stephanotis and ivy.

Her attendants were Mrs. Bruce Owens of Withee, as matron of honor; Mrs. Scott Mason, Miss Suzie Wagener, Mrs. Maynard Purgett and Miss Vickie Reinke, as bridesmaids. They wore floor length dresses of peau taffeta in pink candy. The dresses featured long sleeves and contrasting mid-riffs. Fabric roses highlighted the semi-bouffant skirts. Bustle veils were attached to petal cloches. They carried bouquets of miniature pink and candy carnations.

Harvey Churkey of Owen was his brother’s bestman.  Groomsmen were Bud Reinke, Maynard Purgett and Scott Rusch. Ushers were Scott Mason and Purce Owens.

Miss June Owens of Withee, a niece of the bride served as flower girl.

H. C. Bolles sang, “The Lord’s Prayer,” accompanied at the organ by Mrs. William Boardman.

Mrs. Churkey is a 1966 graduate of Thorp High School. Mr. Churkey was graduated from Owen-Withee High school in 1961 and is employed as a lien foreman in Spencer. They will reside on Rt. 2, Spencer, on their return from a wedding trip to Crystal Cave.