AUG.1, 2008

Melynda and Stephen Belde

Melynda Kleewein and Stephen Belde of Anchorage married Aug. 1 at First Congregational Church in Anchorage. The Rev. Mark Long officiated. The best man was Craig Rosenthal, friend of the bridegroom. The matron of honor was Logan Larson, friend of the bride. Attendants included Mike Belde Jr., Thomas Koeck, Dana Larson, Nichole Belde, Corrie Niska, Krystal Haase, Megan Wagner, Laurel Paton, Kyndall Belde and Dane Belde. Cherilyn Mitchell was personal attendant for the bride. The couple would like to thank Carol Larson for all of the beautiful flower arrangements.

Melynda is the daughter of Bo and Dawn Wagner of Anchorage. She is a 2001 graduate of Dimond High School and received a Bachelor of Arts from Augsburg College in 2005. Melynda is employed at New York Life in Anchorage and coaches hockey for the Alaska Firebirds.

Steve is the son of Michael and Roberta Belde of Lake Elmo, Minn. He is a 2001 graduate of Hill Murray School in Saint Paul, Minn., and a 2005 graduate of Augsburg College. Steve is a teacher with the Anchorage School District. He also coaches hockey for the Alaska Firebirds and the South High School boys hockey teams.

NOV. 22, 1958

Barbara and Phil Block

Barbara and Phil Block celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a family dinner at home. They were married Nov. 22, 1958, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cle Elum, Wash., by the Rev. Edward Weckert.

They met while students at the University of Washington.

Phil served in the Air Force, flew for the Bureau of Land Management, Cordova Airlines, and retired from Alaska Airlines after 33 years of service. Barbara is the sales manager at Pacific Rim Properties.

The Blocks had four children: Phil Jr. (deceased), Paddy Coan and her husband Vince of Wasilla, Teresa Block of Anchorage, and Robert and his wife Beth of Larkspur, Calif. Their family also includes seven grandchildren, John, Kathleen and Kristen Coan, Connor and Garrett Fleener, and Sara and Kate Block.

JULY 10, 2008

Katie and Jacob Finlinson

A reception commemorating the marriage of Katie Julie Walther and Jacob Dwain Finlinson will take place Dec. 27 at the Lake Hood Chapel, 3340 W. 40th Ave. Katie and Jacob were married July 10 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mount Timpanogas Temple in Utah (near where they met while attending Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah). They reside in Buffalo, N.Y., where both attend the State University of New York, with Jacob in the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and Katie in the School of Management's full-time Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Program.

Katie and Jacob will return to school in Buffalo after their Alaska reception. They plan to return to Alaska once they earn their respective degrees. Jacob hopes to practice dentistry here.

After their wedding and a reception in Utah, they honeymooned by traveling across the United States, visiting many historic sights and concluding with a visit to Niagra Falls. Friends in Alaska are invited to join them at the aforementioned reception.

Katie is the daughter of Dale and Kay Walther of Anchorage, where Katie graduated from Dimond High School in 2006. She was honored as a Young Woman of Achievement and served as the Key Club District Governor for the Pacific Northwest and portions of Canada during her senior year in high school.

Jacob is the son of Vance and Helen Finlinson of Oak City, Utah. He is a 2008 graduate of Brigham Young University. Jacob is enjoying his first year in dental school. Previously, he served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the western region of Russia, where he learned to speak Russian.

SEPT. 5, 2009

Erin Wheat and Dylan Tinnell

Erin Wheat and Dylan Tinnell, now residing in Seattle, will wed Sept. 5 at Lost Horse Creek Lodge in Hamilton, Mont.

Erin is the daughter of Patrick and Mary Wheat of Anchorage. She graduated from Service High School in 2003 and attended Montana State University in Bozeman. Erin earned a bachelor's degree in nursing this past spring and works as a labor and delivery nurse at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle.

Dylan is the son of Leonard Tinnell and Katie Patten of Missoula, Mont. He graduated from Hellgate High School in 2003 and attended Montana State University. Dylan received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 2007 and works as an engineer for Kennedy Jenks Consultants in Seattle.

Both enjoy traveling, the snow and the outdoors, attending sporting events, and spending quality time with their dog, Maggie.

DEC. 6, 2008

Lori and Mark Haynes

Lori Seagars and Mark Haynes were married Dec. 6 during an evening ceremony at their home overlooking the lights of Anchorage. The wedding party included members of their families: their daughters, Therese Haynes and Stevie Dimmick; brothers, John and Warren Bumgarner and Chris and Harold Haynes; and their nephew, Tyler Haynes.

A lasting moment of the ceremony included when Mark and Lori exchanged rings with their daughters, Therese and Stevie, as a symbol of their commitment to each other's families. Many other family members and loved ones attended the candlelight ceremony and reception and added to the joyful spirit of the occasion.

Lori and Mark first met in 1974 in Dr. Wendler's algebra class at West High School. They were reintroduced several years ago by family members. They were formally engaged Dec. 19, 2007, at Alyeska and plan a ski celebration there later this month.

AUG. 8, 2008

Susan and Matt Rymzo

Susan Angst and Matt Rymzo were married Aug. 8 at First Presbyterian Church in Anchorage. A reception followed at Raven Glacier Lodge in Girdwood, where guests enjoyed "superb" food and dancing late into the night with music by Woodrow.

Family and friends traveled from all over the country and brought glorious sunny weather to the week of festivities prior to the wedding. Susan's friend, Rev. Heath Howe, officiated. Her childhood friend, Jessica Burton Carr, was matron of honor. Matt's brother, Ben Rymzo, was best man. The couple honeymooned in the California wine country before returning to their residence in Newport, R.I.

The couple first became friends during their sophomore year at Middlebury College and began dating during their senior year.

Both are outdoor enthusiasts. They enjoy nordic and alpine skiing, road biking and hiking. They also enjoy traveling, cooking and wine tasting.

Susan, daughter of Woody and Chottie Angst of Anchorage, graduated from West High School in 1996. She spent a year in Sweden as a Rotary exchange student before attending Middlebury College, where she graduated in 2001 with a degree in psychology. After working in college admissions at her alma mater, Susan transitioned to independent school admissions and now serves as associate director of admission at St. George's School in Newport.

Matt, son of Dr. Walter and Inara Rymzo Jr. of West Hyannisport, Mass., graduated from St. George's School in 1997 and from Middlebury College in 2001 with a degree in English. After teaching for a year in California, Matt returned to his high school alma mater, where he teaches English, and is head coach of the girls' varsity tennis team.

AUG. 25, 1958

Carolyn Gallagher Lyons and Monte Lyons

Monte Lyons and Carolyn Gallagher Lyons celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August at the home of their youngest daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Dave Avery. They were married Aug. 25, 1958, at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Kodiak Island and have lived most of their married lives in Anchorage.

Monte retired from the Department of Transportation as utility engineer in 1990. Carolyn retired as an elementary principal at Williwaw Elementary School in 1998.

A brunch celebration took place Aug. 24 with all of their grown children and grandchildren hosting the event. Twin granddaughters made the cherry cheesecake desserts, and grandsons directed the traffic and arranged the music.

Many friends attended the celebration as well as relatives and family. Their children are: Linda Lyons Infante, Kerry Lyons, Jeffrey Lyons and Brenda Avery. Their grandchildren are: Camila Infante, Sofia Infante, Trinidad Infante, Blake Avery, Aspen and Sierra Avery, and Parker Quimby. Their one great grandchild is 18-month-old Aaliyah, who also enjoyed celebrating the event.

Monte and Carolyn say they have been blessed with wonderful family and friends.

DEC. 19, 1968

Sharon and John Williams

Sharon and John Williams of Kenai celebrated their 40th anniversary Dec. 19.

They met in Nikiski in 1968 and were married by the Rev. Roy Moore at the home of Bob and Dorothy Clark in December. Ruth Hastings was matron of honor, and Robert Bethurem was best man. Assisting at a reception at the couple's residence in Bernice Lake Estates were Claudia Dyer, Jim Harris and Fern Turner. Sharon, daughter of Dan and Thelma Isaacs, moved up with her parents from Washington state and was working at Mildred's Beauty Salon. John, son of Jack Williams, came to Kenai from California via Fairbanks and was working for Chemical Construction Co., helping to build Colliers Carbon and Chemical plant later known as Agrium.

Sharon and John have been active members of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic church as well as in their community, serving in positions of public and private service. Sharon continued working as a stylist and later worked for many years at Kenai Peninsula Community College. John sold real estate, taught at KPCC, retired from there, then served as Kenai city mayor for 18 years and Kenai Borough mayor for three years.

Sharon and John have three daughters; one son; two sons-in-law; and one daughter-in-law: Donna Williams of Anchorage, Debbie and Dave Harris, Kippy and Orlando Mena, and John M. and Amy Williams, all of Kenai. They also take pride in their eight grandchildren, Duncan, Derrek, Marcus, Morgan, Tyler, Kelsey, Ryan and Samantha.

On Sunday, they celebrated a blessing of their marriage during morning Mass at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church. A reception followed.

JULY 19, 2008

Jennifer and Grady Weisz

Jennifer Savre and Grady Weisz were married July 19 in Sandpoint, Idaho.

The wedding was officiated by Kyle Bostock. The ceremony was described as elegant and romantic. The couple honeymooned on Washington's Orcas Island.

Jennifer is the daughter of Marilee and Michael Ryan of Anchorage and Charles and Elizabeth Savre of Nevada. Jennifer graduated from East High School in 1996 and from Montana State University in 2001 with a degree in exercise physiology. She also graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a doctorate in occupational therapy in 2005. Jennifer works as a home health occupational therapist in Sandpoint.

Grady is the son of John Weisz of Idaho and Barbara Weisz of Michigan. He graduated from Ketchican High School in 1997 and from Montanta State University with a degree in electrical engineering in 2003. Grady works as an electrical engineer in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

DEC. 22, 1947

Mabel and Eugene Blatchford

Pioneer Alaskans Mabel and Eugene Blatchford will celebrate a 61-year love story. Eugene and Mabel Blatchford met in Nome in 1947 where Mabel was working and Gene had just come back from the Army in Germany. Before that, when Mabel was 14 or 15, she was in White Mountain going to school where she was a weather reporter during the war effort. Gene was 15 when he went to work on the construction of the Nome airport; it was at this time that he joined the Alaska Territorial Guard at age 15. When he became old enough, he and Tony Bernhart joined the Army together. Eugene also worked for the Nome Road Commission running heavy equipment.

When Gene and Mabel were first married, he was taking flying lessons and he would often "buzz" the house so Mom could come out and see him fly over. Before they married, or even met, both had their eyes on each other. When they were young teenagers, they listened to the radio a lot and were fans of the country western music. Gene and his friends learned to play instruments by listening to the radio.

Gene's father was the famous musher, Percy Blatchford, who came from England, met May Herman in Shishmaref while delivering mail by dog sled, taught her English and married her. Mabel's father, Tony Joule, is a legend in North country, having traveled the state as a teacher and minister, working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for 50 years.

After their first daughter, Ellen, was born, they moved to Sitka, where Ellen could receive medical care. There, Gene worked in the pulp mill and Mabel worked part-time at the pioneer home, all the while taking care of seven kids, making holiday clothes and baking bread several times a week. The family has memories of Gene frying clams on the half shell on their oil stove with lines of drying deer jerky meat behind it. They were doting parents, and Mabel would often gather all the kids around her to read the Sears and Roebuck catalog to pick out toys and clothes for school. "She is a talented tiny woman who encouraged music and dance lessons for her children who became known as the Blatchford Sisters for their singing at public events," their daughter, Jeanie Greene, wrote. "Her love reached far beyond her family."

The rest of the children, Barbara, Jeanie, Judi, Kenny, Patti and Ruthi were born in Sitka. Eugene and Mabel were far from home, but Mabel would sometimes receive Native food from up North. She would invite students from nearby Mount Edgecumbe to feast with her, knowing they were undoubtedly homesick. This Christmas, Mabel will open a present of a beaded necklace from one of those students, thanking her for caring heart.

The family moved to Seward right before the 1964 earthquake. Eugene went on to work on the pipeline, and Mabel worked in the cannery, becoming known for her skill at filleting halibut, "fast as lightning."

"Theirs is a love story that continues to this day," Jeanie wrote. "In their golden years, they continue to care for each other's needs. Indeed, in earlier days, they drove to Anchorage often and would play a guessing game of how long it would take to drive back.

Mabel always won the contest with the closest time and discovered it was no accident as Eugene would slow up or speed up to help her win. When moose hunting later in life, Eugene's ears failed him, and when they hunted, Mabel would often listen for a moose and point in that direction, where Eugene with his eagle eye would hit the mark every time."

To honor them, one of their daughters, Jeanie Greene of Heartbeat Alaska, lists them every week as elders of her weekly program. "Indeed, this loving pair pray often for their children and their children and their children and all of Alaska," Jeanie wrote. "They are the finest examples of love and hope and God's promise of a long life, surrounded with a shield of favor."

DEC. 31, 1958

Peggy (Schuh) Bergsrud and Wes Bergsrud

Wes and Peggy (Schuh) Bergsrud of Anchorage were married Dec. 31, 1958, at St. John's Catholic Church in Caledonia, Minn.

They will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 27 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 825 S. Klevin St., in the parish hall at a gathering hosted by their children.

Wes and Peggy moved to Alaska in June 1969 from Spring Grove, Minn.

Wes worked for many years for Western Geophysical in Anchorage and on the North Slope with short stints in Greenland, Wyoming and California.

Peggy worked for Catholic Social Services, Holy Spirit Retreat House and Loussac Library.

Since their retirement, both can be found volunteering at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, bowling, and spending time with their family and friends.

Their children include their daughter, Brenda of Anchorage; son, Bradley of Kivalina, his daughter Erika of Anchorage; and son, Kevin, his wife Barbara, and Kevin's children, Walter and Olivia, all of Anchorage. Their youngest son, Michael, died in 1987 and is dearly remembered and missed.

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