Mary A. Mussman Benck
(Mrs. Richard Benck)

60th class reunion, 2009

MISS MARY MUSSMAN BECOMES BRIDE IN LOVELY WINTER CEREMONY

On Sunday, December 23rd, at three o'clock in the afternoon, St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church at Grant Park, Illinois, was the scene of a lovely winter wedding when Miss Mary Mussman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mrs. Harold Mussman of Lowell, became the bride of Richard Benck, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carol Benck of Maple Park, Illinois.

Pretty red poinsettias and baskets of red and white gladioli decorated the altar before which Rev. R. Frick solemnized the impressive double-ring ceremony. Mrs. R. Frick, organist, rendered a prelude of bridal music and accompanied Miss Lola Mussman, cousin of the bride, as she sang, "The Lord's Prayer."

Given in marriage by her father, the bride was lovely in a gown which she designed and fashioned of white velvet and lace. The fitted bodice featured long sleeves cut to points over the wrists, while overskirts of lace and velvet accented the full floor-length skirt. Her fingertip veil was caught to a lace headpiece encrusted with seed pearls. She carried a cascade of lavender orchids, white carnations and baby mums.

Miss Frances Mussman, sister of the bride, attended as maid of honor and Mrs. Raymond Genge, also of Lowell, was bridesmaid. Their identical gowns were fashioned with red velvet bodice, the floor-length skirt was of red net over taffeta. They carried bouquets of white carnations and holly leaves.

For her role as flower girl, little Miss Linda Lou Mussman, sister of the bride, wore a gown similar to that of the bride. She carried a nosegay of white baby mums and red roses.

The groom chose as his best man his brother, Raymond Benck of Maple Park, Ill., while Raymond Genge of Lowell served as groomsman. Master Larry Parrish bore the rings on a pretty satin pillow made by the bride's grandmother, Mrs. Mary Wille. Guests were seated by Richard Ohlenkamp and William Thorne.

For her daughter's wedding, Mrs. Mussman accented her dress of steel gray crepe with a corsage of pink carnations and Mrs. Benck wore a green dress and pink carnations.

A reception for 100 guests was held at Tiebel's restaurant.

For southern travel the bride selected a rose wool suit with black accessories and pinned to her shoulderline the orchids from her bridal bouquet. Mr. and Mrs. Benck will reside in Miami, Fla., where he is stationed with the U.S. Air Force.

The bride is a member of the Lowell high school class of '49. The groom attended Grant Park high school.