Couples announcements / LJWorld.com

Engagement

Fox and McDowell

Douglas Lettsch and Caroline Fox announce the engagement of their son, Samuel Fox to Meghann McDowell, all of Overland Park.
The future bride is the daughter of Charles Jr. and Norma Jean Shotton, Bowling Green, Mo., and Carla McDowell, Independence, Mo. She is a senior in the School of Social Welfare program at Kansas University. She is a counselor at Safehome domestic violence agency in Overland Park. She is a former employee of Boston Financial, Lawrence.
The future groom is a 2007 graduate of KU and a first-year graduate student in the School of Architecture at KU. He is a design team architect for Reed Group and Associates in Overland Park. He is a former employee of the Jayhawk Bookstore.
The couple plan a Sept. 27, 2008, wedding at Danforth Chapel on KU's campus.

Engagement

Whisler and Nuessen

Janelle Nuessen and Shaun Whisler, both of Lawrence, announce their engagement.
The future bride is the daughter of Darald and Jane Nuessen, Burlington. She is a 2001 graduate of Burlington High School. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in communication from Baker University in 2005. She received a Master of Science degree in rehab counseling from Emporia State in 2008.
The future groom is the son of Ronnie and Cheryl Cross, Newton Falls, Ohio. He is a 1999 graduate of Olathe East High School. He received a Bachelor of Music degree in voice from Kansas University in 2007. He is the director of music at Central United Methodist Church and a paraeducator at South Junior High School.
The couple plan a Dec. 06, 2008, wedding at Central United Methodist Church in Lawrence.

Engagement

Rowland and Fortune

Lindsay Fortune and Ryan Rowland, both of Charleston, S.C., announce their engagement.
The future bride is the daughter of Michael and Janet Fortune, Sunset Beach N.C. She received a professional biology degree with a minor in chemistry from Charleston Southern University. She plans to attend the Medical University of South Carolina for a master's degree in occupational therapy in May 2009.
The future groom is the son of Ron and Debbie Rowland, Lawrence. He is a 2003 graduate of Lawrence High School. He received an accounting degree from Charleston Southern University. He is a studying for a master's degree in accounting at the College of Charleston.
The couple has not set a wedding date.

Anniversary

Wells

Vernon and Cleta Wells, Lawrence, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house reception with family and friends from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on July 6 at Steve's Place, 1388 N. 1293 Road, Lawrence.
Vernon Wells and Cleta Statler were married on July 4, 1958, at North Lawrence Christian Church.
Vernon retired after 41 years as a union plumber, and Cleta ran the family rent business.
They have two children: Dennis and Caroline Wells, Valley Falls; and Mary and Don Hopkins, North Pole, Alaska.
They have three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
They couple request no gifts.

Anniversary

Studebaker

Paul and Katie Studebaker, Lawrence, began their 50th wedding anniversary celebration in late April with a western Caribbean cruise accompanied by their best man and his bride of 50 years. Their celebration continues with a reception for family and friends from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. July 6 at First Christian Church, Lawrence. The event will be hosted by their daughters and spouses.
The couple were married July 6, 1958, at Hillside Christian Church in Wichita by the Rev. D.K. McColl. Paul received a chemical engineering degree from Kansas State University and began a career with Cabot Corporation in Pampa, Texas. In 1965, they moved to Lawrence and Paul worked for FMC Corporation. Paul retired in 1999 after more than 33 years of service. Katie worked for Tempo, J.C. Penney's, Anchor Savings and USD 497 and retired in 2000 after more than 18 years of service.
They have three daughters: Paula and Joe Meyers, Lawrence; Susan and Dave Boehnke, Overland Park; and Pam and Joe Kucza, Lawrence.
They have seven grandchildren.
The couple request no gifts.

Wedding

Park

Lauren Kernes, Lawrence, and Bryan Park, Greenville, S.C., were married June 21, 2008, at Danforth Chapel on Kansas University's campus in Lawrence, with the Rev. Shawn Norris officiating.
The bride is the daughter of Bruce and Janet Kernes, Shawnee. The groom is the son of John and Susan Park, Greenville, S.C.
Maid of honor was Janet Kernes. Best man was John Park.
A reception followed at the Eldridge Extended in Lawrence.
The bride attended West Junior High School in Lawrence. She is a 1999 graduate of Fairview High School in Pennsylvania. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo., in 2003, and a Master of Arts degree in museum studies from KU in 2008.
The groom is a 2000 graduate of Eastside High School, Taylors, S.C. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from East Carolina University, Greenville, N.C., in 2004, and a Master of Fine Arts degree in metalsmithing and jewelry from KU in 2008. He will be a visiting artist at Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho.
The couple reside in Lawrence.

Anniversary

Wyatt

Duane and Ruth Wyatt, Eudora, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open reception with family and friends from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. July 6 at Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds Building No. 1.
Duane Wyatt Sr. and Ruth Carr were married July 6, 1958, in Lecompton. They lived in Lawrence.
Duane worked for Woods Lumber Yard for 21 years. He was an active member and past president of the Eagles Lodge No. 309.
In 1979, they moved to Osage City and operated a hardware store until 1984. In 1981, Duane was elected president of the Osage City Chamber of Commerce. Duane and Ruth later moved to Topeka and worked for Jostens Inc. until Duane's retirement in 1996. The couple returned to Lawrence and Ruth worked for the city of Lawrence until her retirement in 2001. They are lifelong members of Lawrence Wesleyan Church.
They have four sons, Duane Jr., Jeff, Bryan and Doug.
They have 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
The couple request no gifts.

Anniversary

Woodson

Richard and Carlee Woodson, Lawrence, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary today with a family dinner at the New Theatre Restaurant in Overland Park. A reception will be given at their son's home and hosted by their children, grandchildren and families.
Richard Woodson and Carlee Penner were married June 27, 1958, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Hutchinson.
Richard and Carlee were born and raised in Hutchinson. Richard's first teaching and coaching position after graduating from Emporia State University was at Enterprise School in Wichita. After teaching there for five years, the couple moved back to Hutchinson, where Richard taught and coached for 32 years. Carlee worked as an administrative secretary for 24 years in the special education department for USD 308. They moved to Lawrence in 2001.
They have two children: Debbie and David Lunman, Lawrence; and Craig and Wendee Woodson, Overland Park.
They have eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Anniversary

Brock

Don and Sharon Brock, Linwood, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. July 5 at the Tonganoxie Fairgrounds.
Don Brock and Sharon McDaniel were married July 3, 1958, in Reno.
Don graduated from Linwood High School in 1959. He worked 33 years for Lone Star cement and 10 years for Rural Water Management. Sharon was a homemaker. They are both retired and do missionary work with We Care Ministries.
They have six children: Kris Brock, Valley Falls; Brad Brock, Linwood; Glenn Brock, Pasadena, Texas; Darren Brock, Eudora; DeAnna Klamm, Clarksburg, Tenn.; and Dennis Brock, Kansas City, Kan.
They have 19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
The couple request no gifts.

Engagement

Thein and Watkins

John and Melissa Watkins, Lawrence, along with Dr. David Thein and Sheree Thein, Leawood, announce the engagement of their children, Katherine Watkins, Fairway, and Scott Thein, Kansas City, Mo.
The future bride is a 2001 graduate of Free State High School. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Kansas University in 2005. She is a real estate analyst for Novogradac & Company.
The future groom is a 1999 graduate of Shawnee Mission East High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from KU in 2003 and a Juris Doctorate from University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2006. He is an associate attorney with Aquila Inc. Office of the General Counsel.
The couple plan a January 2009 wedding at St. Agnes Church, Fairway.

Engagement

Thornton and Reusch

John and Taunya Reusch announce the engagement of their daughter, Cicely Reusch, to Andrew Thornton, all of Lawrence.
The future bride is a 2003 graduate of Lawrence High School. She plans to receive a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Washburn University in May 2009.
The future groom is the son of Larry and Michelle Thornton, Lawrence. He is a 2001 graduate of Free State High School. He received an associate's degree in automotive technology, street rod and custom fabrications from Wyoming Technical Institute in 2002. He is a diesel mechanic for LRM industries.
The couple plan an Aug. 2, 2008, wedding in Linwood.

Engagement

Wedermyer and D'Orvilliers

Terry Taul, Topeka, along with Larry Wedermyer, Lyndon, and Joy Poindexter, Baldwin City, announce the engagement of their children Summer Dawn D'Orvilliers and Nathan Samuel Wedermyer, both of Baldwin City.
The future bride is also the daughter of the late John Scott D'Orvilliers. She is a graduate of Baldwin High School. She attended Southwest Missouri State and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in design from Kansas University. She is an architectural sales representative for Bedrock International in Lenexa.
The future groom is also a graduate of Baldwin High School. He received a Bachelors of Arts degree in communications from KU. He is the owner of The First Stop at the entrance to Clinton Lake.
The couple plan an Oct. 4, 2008, wedding at Abe & Jakes Landing in Lawrence.

Engagement

Bennett and Vale

Teddy Van and Anna Vale, Topeka, along with Joel and Karen Chapman, Prairie Village, announce the engagement of their children, Tiffany Vale and Zachary Bennett, both of Lawrence.
The future bride attended Washburn University as an art history major with a minor in photography. She creates hand-made stationery, coordinates weddings and is a swing dance instructor.
The future groom attended Kansas University as a film major and is also planning to study linguistics. He is a display artist for Urban Outfitters, Lawrence. He is also a swing dance instructor.
The couple plan a Sept. 27, 2008, wedding in Shawnee.