BioM: Smagacz, Lorraine Kathryn (1977)

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

Surnames: Smagacz, Johnson, Gall, Appleyard, Urban, Smith, Simonson, Mahlum, Hagen, Schmidt, Roberts, Henseler

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 1/13/1977

Smagacz, Lorraine Kathryn (8 January 1977)

Miss Lorraine Kathryn Smagacz and James L. Johnson were married Saturday, January 8, in a 1:30 p.m. ceremony performed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church by the Rev. Joseph Henseler. Afterward, the couple greeted guests at a reception at the Wildcat Inn. A dance was held later at the American Legion Hall.

Mr. and Mrs. James Gall, Rt. 2 Neillsville, are the bride’s foster parents; she was presented in marriage by Mr. Gall. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James J. Johnson, Rt. 1 Alma Center.

A cascading bouquet of white mini-carnations, yellow sweetheart roses and ivy accented the bride’s scoop-neckline gown of white double-knit styled with long, fitted sleeves, an empire waistline and a gently-flared skirt. A train flowed from the shoulder line and appliques enhanced the bodice and sleeves of the gown. Appliques also edged the soft net of her fingertip mantilla veil.

Mary Appleyard, Eau Claire, was the maid of honor and Brenda Urban of Milwaukee, Charlotte Smith of Stevens Point and Jane Johnson of Alma Center were bridesmaids. Their rust double-knit gowns were fashioned with long sleeves and flared skirts. Open diamond-shaped neckline styling formed high, crisscross collar detailing. Each held a cone-styled bouquet of yellow, orange and gold silk flowers accented with fresh sprengeri.

Attending the groom were Jerry Johnson, Alma Center, as bestman and Daniel Simonson of Hixton, Larry Mahlum of Melrose and Jim Smagacz of Neillsville as groomsmen. Guests were seated by Scott Gall and Jacob Johnson.

Terry Hagen was the ring bearer and Gina Gall, the miniature bride.

The organist was Coletta Short, and Sue Schmidt was the soloist.

The bride was honored at prenuptial showers given by Kathy Roberts and by Mary Appleyard.

The new Mrs. Johnson is a 1975 graduate of Neillsville High School and a December 1976 graduate of District One Technical Institute, Eau Claire. Her husband graduated from Alma Center High School in 1969. He is employed as a cheesemaker.

Upon their return from a wedding trip to the Dakotas, the couple will live on Rt. 1 Hixton.