Norbert H. and Marie Barthels of Sheboygan Falls celebrated their 50th anniversary on Aug. 9, 2009 with an open house hosted by their children at Laack's Hall, Johnsonville.

The couple was married on Aug. 8, 1959 at St. Luke's Evangelical Church, Sheboygan Falls.

The former Marie Hoekstra was born April 2, 1927, in New Holstein. She was employed by Ray Boll. Other employment included Charlies of St. Paul and the Kohler Co.

Her husband was born Jan. 8, 1933, in Sheboygan Falls. He worked 27 years for the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan, retiring in 1996.

The couple has four children, Susan Barthels (longtime friend Mark Schinabeck) of New Holstein, Patricia (Todd) Levendusky of Manitowoc, Scott (Tami) Barthels of Sheboygan Falls and Randy (Traci) Barthels of Sheboygan; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.