A celebratory trip to Gulf Shores is planned for this fall.

John and the former Charlotte Fronk were united in marriage on Aug. 4, 1972, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Delphos.

They have three children, Kelly Garmatter of Columbus Grove, Jason (Leslie) Birkmeier of Elida and Brian Birkmeier of Rawson; and six grandchildren, Klarissa, Kalyn, Karsyn and Cade Garmatter and Easton and Ella Birkmeier.

Mr. Birkmeier is retired from General Dynamics and his wife is employed at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.