GLADSTONE — John Edward Wellman and Marlyn Ruth (Polmateer) Wellman, of Gladstone, recently celebrated 60 years of marriage on June 22, 2023, by traveling to Mount Rushmore along with their daughter and son-in-law, Cherie and Joe Briggs, who also celebrated 38 years of marriage on the same day.

The couple married on June 22, 1963, at The Salvation Army in Escanaba, Mich. with Robert Johnson officiating. 

Attendants at the wedding were Maid of Honor Donna Bingham, cousin of the bride; Bestman Bill Wellman, brother of the groom; Bridesmaid Jackie Smith, sister of the bride; Bridesmaid Bonnie Evans, sister of the bride; Groomsmen Bob Wellman, brother of the groom; Dan Evans, brother-in-law of the bride; Ring Bearer Dave Palmgren, nephew of the bride; Flower Girl Cindy (Evans) Williams, niece of the bride.

The couple have four daughters, Brenda (Don) Duwe of Oregon, Cherie (Joe) Briggs of Bark River, Amy Wellman of Gladstone, and Dawn (Brian) Hammond of Gladstone.  The couple also have 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

John retired from Mead Paper in 2006, where he worked for 41 years.

He enjoys camping, fishing, gardening, traveling, sports and especially attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s games and events. He is also a diehard Detroit Lions fan.

Marlyn also enjoys camping, traveling and sewing, and has sewn many figure skating dresses and costumes over the years for her daughters and granddaughters and now great-granddaughters.

Together they love spending time with family and friends.

A special day is being planned for the couple when they return from their vacation.