BioM: Thoma, Karen Ann (1967)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Thoma, Hoppa, Kesler, Zickert, Roehl, Schoenherr, Gall, Mitte, Firnstahl, Austreng, Short, Nelson

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 4/6/1967

Thoma, Karen Ann (Marriage - 1 April 1967)

Nuptial vows were exchanged Saturday in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Neillsville at 1:30 p.m. uniting in marriage Miss Karen Ann Thoma, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Thoma of Rt. 3 Neillsville, and David Arnold Hoppa, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Hoppa, also of Rt. 3 Neillsville.

The Rev. George Nelson officiated at the double ring ceremony. “Praise to the Lord” and “A Mighty Fortress is our God” were sung by the church choir, accompanied by Mrs. Glenn Short.

Two bouquets of white gladioli, pink and white carnations were placed on either side of the altar.

Mr. Thoma presented his daughter in marriage. The bride chose a dress of peau de soie that featured a full skirt with a delicate scoop neckline. The fitted bodice featured long, pointed sleeves. The train of the full skirt was enhanced with cabbage roses. Three tiers of silk illusion were attached to a headpiece of crystals and pearls. She carried a long cascade bouquet of pink roses, white carnations and stephanotis with trailing ivy.

Mrs. Sandra Kesler, cousin of the bride, was her matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Mrs. Joan Zickert, cousin of the bride, and Janice Roehl of Granton, a friend. The attendants wore floor-length sheaths of pink and white organza, fashioned with elbow sleeves and delicate scoop necklines. Dainty rosebud trim graced the empire line of their pink organza bodices. Their straight sheath skirts of white organza were enhanced by sleek trains of pink organza that flowed from the waistlines. A cluster of roses, born five peaks, secured the blush veils. They carried long cascade bouquets of pink miniature carnations, entwined with ivy.

Lynn Schoenherr of Muskego, cousin of the bride, in her role as flower girl wore a dress styled as that of the bride, and carried miniature bouquet similar to the bride’s.

James Gall of Neillsville, a friend of the groom, was bestman. Groomsmen were Rick Thoma, brother of the bride, and Gerald Schoenherr of Muskego, the bride’s uncle. Ushers were Franklin Mitte of Neillsville and James Firnstahl of Colby.

Darrel Austreng of Plover, cousin of the groom, carried the rings on a white heart shaped satin pillow.

A reception was held in the American Legion Hall attended by 350 guests.

The bride is a 1961 graduate of Neillsville High school and has been employed by The Clark County Press. Mr. Hoppa, a 1958 graduate of Neillsville High School, is self-employed.

On returning from a wedding trip, Mr. and Mrs. Hoppa will reside on Rt. 3, Neillsville.