Rudolph C. “Ruddie” and Velma Claassen will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary with an open reception for family and friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the John and Ginger King home, 10508 N. Mission Road in Moundridge.
Hosts will be their children and spouses. If unable to attend, cards may be sent in care of Stan Claassen, 808 S. Kansas Ave., Newton, KS 67114.
Ruddie Claassen and Velma Schmidt were married on Aug. 22, 1940, at Tabor Mennonite Church in rural Newton by the Rev. P.H. Richert. Ruddie is a retired farmer, having lived on a farm east of Newton for 78 years. They now reside in Newton. Velma is a retired nurse; she worked at Axtell Christian Hospital.
They are members of First Mennonite Church and have served on various committees at church and in the community.
They have five children, 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Their children and spouses are Stan and Jan Claassen of Newton, R. Dwight and Connie Claassen of Newton, Eileen and Ken Umholtz of Burrton, Rogene and Jerry Shank of Quarryville, Pa., and Ginger and John King of Moundridge.
The couple requests no gifts.
