BioM: Schmitz, Darla (1981)

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

Surnames: Schmitz, Harder, Friemoth, Brekke, Lasse, Hainz, Hediger, Voss, Buchholz, Foemmel, Lindgren, Hansen, Urban, Toelle, Becker, Clark

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/15/1981

Schmitz, Darla (10 October 1981)

The Rev. Gary Clark officiated at the Neillsville United Church of Christ wedding serviced on Saturday afternoon, October 10, of Darla Schmitz and Grant Harder. Parents of the couple are Lamar and Thelma Schmitz, 111 Division St., Neillsville, and Rene and Joan Harder, Rt. 1 Neillsville.

Special music at the service was provided by Dick and Duane Schmitz, brothers of the bride, who offered “Sunrise, Sunset,” “I Needed You,” The Lord’s Prayer” and “We’ve Only Just Begun.” Beth Foemmel also offered pre-and post-service vocal selections.

Serving as maid of honor was Angela Schmidt, a friend of the bride from Neillsville. She was joined by Jill Friemoth and Jane Brekke, both friends of Neillsville; Mary Lasse, the bride’s cousin from Granton; and Michelle Harder, the groom’s sister of Neillsville. Reyne Hainz of Neillsville was the junior bridesmaid.

Ken Friemoth, a friend from Granton, was the bestman. He was joined by Dean Schmitz, the bride’s brother of Oakland, California; Robin Harder, the groom’s cousin of Neillsville; Paul Harder, the groom’s brother of Milwaukee; and Ernest Hediger, a friend from Neillsville. Jerry Voss of Neillsville was the junior groomsman. Ushering were, all from Neillsville, Phillip Harder, the groom’s brother; Jeff Harder, the groom’s cousin; and Randy Buchholz, a friend.

The bride chose a floor-length gown with a point d’esprit bodice encrusted with pearls and featuring a chapel-length train with a snowfall of Alencon lace. Her floor-length veil was attached in a matching lace-covered Juliet cap. She carried a bouquet of burnt orange and peach hued roses, adorned with white carnations and baby’s breath. Her attendants wore floor-length gowns in burnt orange with pleated skirts and flowing bodices; they carried long stemmed peach roses with baby’s breath.

The groom was attired in a chocolate brown tuxedo and white and brown ruffled shirt. His attendants wore similar tuxedos while the ushers were attired in camel brown tuxedos, while the ushers were attired in camel brown tuxedos. Each sported a burnt orange rose boutonniere.

Following the service, a reception was held at the Loyal American Legion Hall. The couple then left on a wedding trip to upper Wisconsin and Michigan, and Canada.

Prenuptial events included showers hosted by Angie Schmidt and Jane Brekke, Joanne Voss, Donna Rae Harder and Gail Lindgren; and by Jeannette Hansen, Grace Urban, Rosie Toelle and Joyce Becker. The bride’s parents also hosted a brunch at their restaurant on the morning following the wedding.

The bride is a 1980 graduate of Neillsville High School and a 1981 graduate of Mid-State Technical Institute-Marshfield. She is employed at her parents’ restaurant, Mr. Schmitty’s, Neillsville. The groom is a 1977 graduate of Neillsville High and farms with his father.