Merlin and Jean Gandrud, Mt. Pleasant, Wis., formerly of Tagus, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a family brunch Sept. 2, at the Summit Restaurant in Mt. Pleasant. The event was hosted by their children, Lori Rennock, Caledonia, Wis., and Michael, Shorewood, Wis. Earlier this year the Gandruds celebrated by cruising New Zealand, Australia, several South Pacific islands, Hawaii and Alaska. They also enjoyed a driving trip to Washington state and back visiting with relatives and friends along the way. They plan a "second honeymoon" to the Black Hills to revisit where they originally honeymooned.
Merle Gandrud and Jean Halden were married Sept. 2, 1962, in Hartland. He was employed by Allis Chalmers, Jacobsen-Textron, Gilson Brothers and Skag Power Equipment, primarily in engineering management. He retired in 2002. She was an educator with Racine Unified School District, retiring in 2002.
They have two children and four grandchildren.