On August 5, 1961, Joseph Groh and Josephine LaFrate were united in marriage. This week, the Belmont couple is celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends on Saturday, August 6. Their children include Stephen and Natalie Groh, David and Michelle Groh, Michael and Tina Groh, Paul and Cindy Groh and Dan Groh. The couple has 10 grandchildren, Callie and Aaron Bunyea, Chase, Nikole, Devon, Kama, Brandon, Brittany, CJ and Gabe; and two great-grandchildren, Kora and Wyatt Bunyea.

The Westrates’ parents are Gare and Alberta Westrate and Ben and Gertrude Frens. The couple’s children are Keith and Val Westrate of Connecticut, Eric and Amy Westrate of Michigan, and Bill and Shela Westrate of Wisconsin. Their grandchildren are Crystal and Gabrielle of Connecticut, Emma and Abby of Michigan, and Ellie and Grace of Wisconsin.

The Westrates celebrated with a family vacation to Disney in November 2010, and will be taking a trip to Cap Cod in June 2011.

Rev. Ken served five R.C.A. congregations in Sheldon, Iowa, Lennox, S.D., Maurice, Iowa, Wyoming, Mich., and Gary, Ind. He retired in October 2008, and he and Ruth moved to Rockford.

Ruth graduated from Blodgett School of Nursing and was employed by Holland, Blodgett, Bronson, Pine Rest, U of M Hospital, and Sioux County Health Department Center in South Dakota. She also was a volunteer counselor at Crisis Pregnancy Center in South Dakota. She has served in churches in various ministries.

Rev. Ken is presently involved with Rockford Reformed Church, and he and Ruth are enjoying their beautiful home and town.

They are now retired and enjoy vacationing in Texas. Thomas and Lupe have two children, Tommy and Tony, and one grand-dog, Karma.

A hockey game and family dinner in downtown Grand Rapids is planned for the occasion.

James and Beverly Reeds of Rockford will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on October 29. The couple were joined in matrimony October 29, 1960.

The Reeds are the parents of Wendy (Larry) Harr, Randy (Linda) Reeds, and Christopher Reeds (deceased). They have five grandchildren: Jacob, McKenzie and Michael Reeds, and Nathan (Brandi) and Emily Harr.

An open house in their honor will be held on October 29, 2010, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Rockford Sportsman’s Club, 11115 Northland Drive, Rockford.

Their children are Scott and Dawn Schuitman and Susan and David Bilski of Rockford. Their grandchildren are Kari, Kevin (Kasie) and Kelli Schuitman, Amanda (Randy) Branderhorst, Andrew, Michael and Steven Bilski, and great-granddaughter Gracie.

The Schuitman’s celebrated this very special occasion with family trips to Traverse City and Mackinaw.

There will be a 60th wedding anniversary surprise party for Winfield and Marie Bigney on Saturday, June 19 from 12 to 5 p.m. at Pioneer Christian Reformed Church, 3110 17 Mile Road, Cedar Springs.

No gifts, just your presence please, and remember it is a surprise.

Stan and Joan Weir of Rockford are celebrating their 50th anniversary on Monday, April 12, 2010. They were married on April 12, 1960, at First Reformed Church in Grand Haven, Mich.

Their children are Scott and Tracy Weir of Rockford and Tom and Marcy Engelsman of Grand Haven. Their grandchildren are Austin, Gavin and Molly Weir and Whitney and Grant Engelsman.

A family party is planned for May 1, 2010.

A surprise dinner reception was held at Egypt Valley Country Club in honor of the occasion.

Children of the couple are Jeffrey and Denise Flikkema and Gregory and Doreen Schoenborn. They have four grandchildren, George Michael and Katie Maureen Flikkema, and Patrick Ryan and Heather Marie Schoenborn.

Friends and family wish George and Maureen Phillips many more cherished anniversaries.