BioM: Rakestraw, Patsy A. (1977)

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

Surnames: Rakestraw, Kleinschmidt, Willman, Bell, Plautz, Antrim

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 3/17/1977

Rakestraw, Patsy A. (12 March 1977)

Marriage vows were exchanged Saturday, March 12, at Grace United Methodist Church in Greenwood by Patsy A. Rakestraw and Ronald D. Kleinschmidt. The Rev. Eugene S. Antrim officiated at the 2 p.m. ceremony for the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Otto Rakestraw, Rt. 3 Neillsville, and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Silas Kleinschmidt, Rt. 1 Chili.

The bride’s V-neck, empire-waist gown of white polyester knit with taffeta overlay was styled with a chapel train and accented by lace neckline, hem and bodice trim. Her waist-length veil, edged in lace, was held by a lace headpiece. She carried a bouquet of yellow baby roses and yellow mums with white streamers as she was presented in marriage by her father.

Bouquets of white daisies were held by Mrs. Diane Rakestraw, matron of honor, and by Mrs. Joan Willman of Marshfield and Miss Barbara Bell, bridesmaids. Their polyester gowns in pastel shades of blue, green and yellow, respectively, were complimented by matching floral capes and hair ribbons.

The groom’s attendants included David Rakestraw of Longwood as bestman and Dennis Willman of Marshfield and Billy Rakestraw as groomsmen. Sharing ushering duties were Eddie Kleinschmidt, Chili, and Bruce Rakestraw.

Davey Rakestraw, Longwood, was the ringbearer and Karen Kleinschmidt, Chili, the flower girl.

Roxane Rakestraw was the vocal soloist and Gigi Plautz, the organist.

Following the ceremony, the couple greeted guests at a 5 p.m. reception at the Neillsville American Legion Hall. A dance was held at 8 p.m.

The bride was honored at prenuptial showers given February 12 at the Silas Kleinschmidt home by Joan Willman and February 20 at the Christie Methodist Church by Barb Bell, Diane Rakestraw and Roxane Rakestraw.

The new Mrs. Kleinschmidt is a 1975 graduate of Neillsville High School. Her husband graduated from Marshfield Senior High School in 1972 and is engaged in farming with his parents.

The newlyweds are making their home on Rt. 1 Chili. They will be taking a wedding trip at a later date.