BioA: Rauha, John, Mr./Mrs. (50th - 1950)

Contact: Stan
Email:  stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Rauha, Laakso, Aho, Halme

----Source: OWEN ENTERPRISE (Owen, Clark County, Wis.) 07/27/1950

Rauha, John, Mr./Mrs. (50th - 25 JUL 1950)

Mr. and Mrs. John Rauha, Sr., enjoyed the company of their numerous friends and relatives in observance of their Golden Wedding on Sunday, July 23rd, 1950.

A dinner was served at noon Sunday at the home of their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Einar Laakso, where relatives and close friends had gathered to honor the couple.

In the afternoon they joined their friends at the Bethany Lutheran Church where a program had been arranged by Pastor and Mrs. Puotinen. Pastor Puotinen gave an inspiring talk on the marriage vows, and Hjalmer Heikkinen, a lifelong friend and neighbor told of their history and the companionship the two families have enjoyed. Mrs. Puotinen sang a beautiful solo, and accompanied a trio of ladies, Mrs. Hjalmer Heikkinen, Mrs. William Kangas, and Mrs. Frank Luoma, as they sang.

After the program the group assembled for a luncheon in the church parlors. The tables were trimmed with gold streamers, and bouquets of assorted yellow flowers decorated the tables. There were also bouquets of roses, dahlias and gladiolas. On a special table was a three-tier wedding cake attractively decorated in gold, and served to all the guests.

One of the most enjoyable moments of the afternoon occurred when a congratulatory telegram arrived from Mr. Rauha’s brother and family, Mr. and Mrs. Jones Rauha of Brooklyn, New York. They were unable to join the family for this memorable occasion.

The honorary couple were appreciative participants of gifts, including a radio from the relatives, gifts of money from their friends, plus numerous cards.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Rauha were born in Finland and came to America on the same ship in Dec. 1899. They were married in Ishpeming, Michigan on July 25, 1900 by Pastor Charles Tolonen and established their first residence in Negaunee near Ishpeming. The couple were one of the early settlers in Hoard Township, arriving there on a farm northeast of Owen (Clark Co., Wis.) on May 1, 1912, from Michigan. In May 1948 they sold this farm to their son, John, Jr., and moved to the north end of the village of Withee, which is their present home. They are members of the Bethany Lutheran Church, of which they were charter members.

Of their four children, two are living: Mrs. Einar Laakso of Owen, and John Rauha, Jr., of Hoard. Two daughters, Mrs. Emil Aho, and Mrs. Alex Halme, are deceased. Mr. Rauha has four brothers in Finland. They have seven grandchildren; Dr. Toiyo Aho and Irene Halme of Waukegan, Ill., Mrs. Elmer Laakso of Portage, Wis., Wilho Halme of Berlin, Germany, and Arthur, Audrey and Oscar Laakso of Owen. They also have three great-grandchildren.

Out of town guests included Dr. Toiyo Aho, Emil Aho, and Irene Halme of Waukegan, Ill., Mrs. Elmer Laakso and children of Portage, Wis., and Mr. and Mrs. William Kangas and daughter of Phillips, Wis.

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