BioM: Gross, Karen J (1976)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Gross, Kuchenbecker, Hillman, O’Rourke, Rueth, Sturtz, Gregorich, Ouimette, Hemp, Armitage, Johnson, Short, Lukes, Henseler

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/29/1976

Gross, Karen J. (Marriage – 24 July 1976)

Miss Karen J. Gross became the bride of Michael R. Kuchenbecker in a 1:30 p.m. ceremony performed Saturday, July 24, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Neillsville, by the Rev. Joseph Henseler. Later, a dinner and a dance were held at Bali Hai Supper Club.

Presented in marriage by her father, the bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford M. Gross, Neillsville. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Kuchenbecker, also of Neillsville.

For her wedding day, the bride chose a gown of silk organza featuring a V-neckline bodice of Venise lace with sheer sleeves lavishly accented with Venise lace appliques. The empire waistline timed in Venise lace with ribbon accents defined a full skirt with matching lace appliques and a full chapel train. Her Camelot headpiece of Venise lace accented with ribbon held a lace-edged, fingertip-length veil. She carried a cascade of white orchids, yellow roses, stephanotis and trailing ivy.

Shelby Hillman, Prairie Du Chien, was the bride’s honor attendant. Bridesmaids were Terry O’Rourke of Lancaster, Mary Kuchenbecker of Oshkosh, Jennifer Rueth of Neillsville and Candyce Sturtz of Madison. Their seafoam green princess style halter gowns of polyester crepe were complimented by matching capelets and hats, Champagne carnations, cream starburst pompons, purple statice a baby’s breath made up their bouquets.

The groom was attended by Ed Gregorich, Greenwood, as bestman. Acting as groomsmen were Jerry Gross of Neillsville, George Ouimette of River Falls, Mark Kuchenbecker of Madison and Matt Hemp of Neillsville. Guests were seated by Kent and Jim Kuchenbecker.

Corinne Armitage and Suzanne Johnson were the vocalists, with Mrs. Glenn Short as organist and Tom Lukes as guitarist.

The bride was honored at a prenuptial shower given at the home of her parents by the bridesmaids.

The newlyweds are both 1972 graduates of Neillsville High School who also attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She is employed as a teller at a local bank, and he is employed by the county highway department.

They are making their home at 205 West Fifth St. in Neillsville. A wedding trip is planned for a later date.