Kessels to celebrate 50 years together

Patrick Kessel and Suzan Bates Kessel will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 29 with their children and families. Their family includes: Oldest daughter Stacey and Brian Berg of Marion, Iowa; son Alex and Christie Kessel and Makenzie Champ of Fairfield. They with seven grandchildren and grandson-in-law, ages 5 to 26, will join them in St. Louis for a weekend.

Pat and Suzan were married by Fr. Jonathan Simmons at St. Mary's Church in Fairfield on Aug. 29, 1970. Maid of honor was Olivia Bates Smith and Best Man was Mike Kessel. Brides maid was friend Mary Ferrel Engelkes and Groomsman was Carl Hammond. Ushers were friends of the groom Jim Staggers, Jerry Lathrop and Gene Smith.

Siblings of the groom served as flower girl and ring bearer – Susan Kessel and Bob Kessel. Parents of the couple, now all deceased, are George and Wanda Kessel and O.J. and Marie Bates.

Pat and Suzan have made their home in Fairfield, with Pat working with Farm Bureau Financial for over 46 years, and Suzan an active community volunteer and artist.