Leigh and Connie Schmidt

ESCANABA — Leigh and Connie Schmidt of Escanaba celebrated their 50th anniversary. The couple were married Aug. 23, 1969 at Bethany Lutheran Church, having a candlelight ceremony. A week at a cabin in Trego, Wis. was enjoyed by the family: son, Soren and daughter, Emily, along with three grandchildren, Olive, Harrison and Jude.

After returning, a party of family and friends was held at Leigh’s Garden Winery. A renewing of vows with Rev. Soren Schmidt highlighted the celebration with attendants. The band Wing It played as the couple danced to their theme song, “Cherish.”

Leigh retired as a special education teacher from the Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District in 2002. He owns and operated Leigh’s Garden Winery, Inc. Connie retired as an elementary teacher with Escanaba Public Schools in 2003. She travels, is active with her church, and loves spending time with family and friends.

Leigh and Connie are members of Christ The King Lutheran Church, where anniversary flowers adorned the alter in a show of thanks for their many blessing.