BioM: Spence, Mary Bernadette (1969)

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

Surnames: Spence, Nehrlich, Marcott, Rutan, Wojner, Decker, Hodnik

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/04/1969

Spence, Mary Bernadette (Marriage - 30 August 1969)

Marriage vows were exchanged between Miss Mary Bernadette Spence, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry F. Spence of Abbotsford, and James Allen Nehrlich, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ira (Jim) Nehrlich of Rt. 1 Dorchester, Saturday, August 30, at 2 p.m. The Rev. Fr. Emil Hodnik performed the double-ring ceremony at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. A large bouquet of pink and white carnations was on the main altar.

The bride was given in marriage by her father. Her wedding dress of imported re-embroidered Chantilly lace appliquéd on a gown of white peau featured a dainty lattice-effect yoke. A headpiece of re-embroidered lace formed a crown of petals, from which fell a two-tier French nylon illusion veil. She carried a bouquet of stephanotis and small white roses with an orchid in the center.

Barbara Spence of Milwaukee served her sister as maid-of-honor. Penny, Arlene, Susie and Ann Spence of Abbotsford, were bridesmaids. Their cotton brocade lace dresses featured high rounded necklines and along A-line skirts, all of delicate pink. Tulle bows, fashioned to compliment their dresses formed their headpieces. Each carried a colonial bouquet arrangement.

James Spence of Phoenix, Ariz., cousin of the bride, was bestman. Groomsmen were Richard Marcott of Westboro, Robert Nehrlich of McHenry, Ill., cousin of the groom, and Thomas Nehrlich of Dorchester, brother of the groom. Serving as ushers were John Rutan of Dorchester and Jerrald Wojner of Abbotsford.

Mrs. Betty Decker provided nuptial organ music and the church choir sang.

A reception was held at the Colby Hotel, with 175 guests attending.

Mrs. Nehrlich is a 1965 graduate of St. Mary’s Academy at Prairie du Chien, and is employed as a secretary in Abbotsford. Mr. Nehrlich graduated from Dorchester High School in 1963. He is employed in Abbotsford. The newlyweds will be at home in Colby after September 7.