Ronald and Shirley celebrated their 50th anniversary April 3.

Ronald Jaenke and the former Shirley Bennett were married on April 3, 1965, at First Baptist Church in Prairie du Rocher.

Throughout their marriage they were blessed with three children, Jeff (Dana) Jaenke, Kevin (Michelle) Jaenke and Lori Jaenke Crafton (friend Billy Rees); four grandchildren, Allen (Sarah) Jaenke, Hannah Jaenke, Melayna Crafton and Jack Crafton; and two great-grandchildren, Persephone Jaenke and Aiden Taylor.

Shirley is the daughter of the late Herbert and late Oman Bennett. Ron is the son of Dorothy Jaenke and the late Clarence Jaenke.

Their best man and matron of honor were Dave and Joyce DuFrenne. Their attendants were Robert Jaenke and the late Connie Raines Buch, Florence Jaenke and the late Dennis Jaenke, Judy Buss Eschmann and the late Vern Minnemann, and Louie and Charlotte Henerfauth.

Keith Whelan was ring bearer and Sheri Glotfelty Mize was the flower girl. Guests were seated by Gerald Whelan and the late Harvey Althoff. The organist was Doug Althoff, the pianist was Isabelle DeRousse, and soloists were Rosalie Whelan and Rita Rubottom Wienhoff.

The Jaenkes are retired and winter in Arizona, but live in Red Bud. Their children are taking them to Hilton Head Island, S.C., for a week in July to celebrate.

The Jaenkes are also having an open house Sunday, June 7, for family and friends, from 1 to 5 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Red Bud; they request no gifts.