ElRoy and Myrna Rakstad, Pleasanton, Calif., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Jan. 17 at an event with family and friends.
ElRoy Rakstad, who was born in Palermo and raised in Parshall. married Myrna Carpenter, who was born and raised in Towner, Jan. 15, 1959. They settled in California in 1964 and have lived in Pleasanton for 42 years. ElRoy retired in 1996 as a surveyor with Operating Engineers Local 3, having worked many years with Martin and Bissell, Bissell and Karn and Greiner Civil Engineers. Myrna worked in Carl's Drugs, a pharmacy in Pleasanton for many years. When she was in her late 70s, she became the owner of a consignment shop called Clothes 'n Things in Dublin, Calif.
They have three children, Todd Rakstad, Peoria, Ariz.; Traci Sweeney, Pleasanton; and Tami Rakstad-Schaner, Arnold, Calif.; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.