BioA: O’Konski, Mr./Mrs. Harry #2 (Gold - 1962)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: O’Konski, Konieczny, Zawacki, Stewart, Fraley, Warden, Dombrowski

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 11/08/1962

O’Konski, Mr./Mrs. Harry #2 (Gold - 15 OCT 1962)

A solemn mass of Thanksgiving was read Saturday morning, Oct. 13, 1962 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church at Owen for Mr. and Mrs. Harry O’Konski, Route 1, Owen, who were celebrating their golden wedding anniversary.

Terrie Warden, the youngest grandchild there, escorted her grandparents to the altar.

The remainder of the day’s festivities were held at St. Hedwig’s hall in Thorp, where the family breakfast was held. Then the couple greeted their friends, neighbors, and relatives at a 6 o’clock dinner. Approximately 200 people were present at the dinner and dance.

The anniversary cake was decorated with bells and lighted candles, and was flanked with arrangements of fall flowers in gold, yellow and bronze. There also was a gold tree with “50 years” attached to it. The O’Konskis received many gifts along with many gifts of money.

Mrs. O’Konski had a white orchid corsage and her maid of honor of 50 years ago, Mrs. Anton Dombrowski, Thorp, had a purple orchid. Mr. O’Konski’s boutonniere also was white, the daughters wearing fall floral corsages. Joseph Konieczny of Stanley, their best man, also attended the event.

Harry O’Konski and Della Zawacki were married at Stanley, Oct. 15, 1912.

Mr. O’Konski was born in Poland Feb. 2, 1890, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John O’Konski. He located in St. Louis Mo. when first coming to the United States and later settled in Wisconsin. He was a logger before his marriage, living in the Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.) area.

Mrs. O’Konski, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Zawacki, was born in Thorp Jan. 1, 1895, and was educated in that city. She worked in Chicago before her marriage.

After their marriage, the O’Konskis lived on a farm near Thorp, and still are active in farming.

Both are in good health and are members of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church at Owen. Mrs. O’Konski enjoys her flower gardens and doing embroidery work.

Children of the anniversary couple are Mrs. Leo (Amy) Stewart, Owen; Mrs. W.R. (Vida) Fraley, Chicago; Mrs. Jack (Cecilia) warden, Los Angeles, Calif.; Miss Mary Anne O’Konski, Chicago; Edward O’Konski, Waukegan, Ill.; Maurice O’Konski, Chicago; and Donald O’Konski at home. They also have 12 grandchildren.