BioM: Francis, Paula (1972)

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

Surnames: Francis, Lavene, Slaby, Bender, LaZotte, Hoppa, Mayer, Bitter

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co, WI) 12/28/1972

Francis, Paula (Marriage - 16 December 1972)

Miss Paula Francis became the bride of Gary Lavene Saturday afternoon, December 16, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Christie. The Rev. Robert Bitter officiated at the double-ring ceremony performed before an altar decorated with bouquets of white Fuji mums and carnations accented with red carnations and holly. Approximately 150 guests were present.

Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Harold Francis of Loyal and Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Lavene of rural Neillsville.

Given in marriage by her mother and father, the bride wore a white crepe gown styled with a Victorian lace bib front and matching lace cuffs and hemline. Her full-length train was timed with the same lace. She carried an arrangement of white carnations, red and white variegated carnations and red roses.

Mrs. Jack Slaby, Loyal, was the matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Mrs. Bonnie Bender of Loyal and Mrs. Pattie Slaby of Howard’s Grove. Ivory lace bib fronts and sleeve trim accented the attendants’ red rayon gowns, complimented by bouquets of red, red and white, and white carnations and holly.

Attending the groom were David Slaby of Loyal as bestman and Roger Bender of Loyal and Daniel Slaby of Howard’s Grove as groomsmen. Guests were seated by Paul LaZotte of Stoughton and Ricky Lavene.

Douglas Slaby served as ringbearer and Lori Bender, as flower girl. Mrs. David Hoppa was the organist and Mrs. Harold Mayer, the soloist. A reception was held at the Amber Inn at Loyal.

The new Mrs. Lavene is a 1972 graduate of Loyal High School. Her husband graduated from Neillsville High School in 1971 and is an apprentice barber in Loyal, where the couple will live.