This website may be for weddings but isn’t an anniversary party just an extension of a wedding? Please enjoy this short essay about our beautiful couple that are celebrating 50 years of being husband and wife.

The 1970s, a time that has events that change the look of the world. Many of you may remember it as a time of bellbottoms, jumpsuits, platform shoes, corduroy, and oversized collars. Usually, the only TV in the house would be blaring the sounds of The Fonz, Barney Miller, or Bo and Luke Duke causing trouble in Hazard County. On the radio songs from The Bee Gees, Simon & Garfunkel, Three Dog Night, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kenny Rogers are playing. One song in particular that was released as the B-side in March of 1970 is the anthem for the story you are about to read.

October 5, 1974, the day started out with the oldest of Ed and Phyllis Abendroth getting ready to embark on a life journey that promised to be a true adventure. Kathy donned her white lace dress and grabbed her blue carnation bouquet and headed off to First English church in Wausau, WI. Once she arrived, she found her bridesmaids dressed in powder blue dresses with matching hats. Her two flower girls wearing bonnets and carrying baskets. This would be a true picture of what 1974 was all about.

During this time, Adam was also getting ready. Putting his powder blue tuxedo on, he checked his thick dark hair with traditional sideburns and headed out ready to take on his newest responsibility of married life. Being the second youngest of his family, this was not the first time his parents were parents of the groom, but they found this day to be just as exciting as the others.

At the church, the organ sang as the father of the bride walked Kathy down the aisle. At the alter Adam & Kathy exchanged vows in front of God and their friends and family. They kissed and turned around to walk into the world as husband and wife.

Soon after, a celebration was attended at Valley Inn in Rib Mountain. After dinner Adam & Kathy shared their first bite of the blue and white decorated cake. A celebration of dancing followed the meal. The first dance performed by the couple was to the song Color My World by Chicago. Little did they know just how colored their journey would be.

Soon the happy couple was excited to learn they would be parents. Four days after Adam’s 21 st birthday they welcomed their first daughter, Caryn. This new stage in their life was a happy time, soon they wanted more. Being children of large families, one child just wasn’t enough. 2 ½ years later their second daughter Denise was born. Now, as a family of 4 the journey as a family was well underway.

Soon after becoming a family of 4, they bought their first home. It was glorious, with a large willow tree for climbing and a garage to park the family car. The back yard was larger than most in the neighborhood and provided space for a swing set and a very large sandbox. This home on the northeast side of Wausau had lots of room to raise and grow their family. And continue to grow they did. Eight years after saying “I do” they welcomed their first son, Richard. He was welcomed with open arms by his big sisters. Everyone knows how important it is to have a brother, so just over 2 years later their youngest son Daniel was born.

Now, with four children and a wife to take care of in 1983 Adam found a job with Kolbe & Kolbe as a truck driver. This job allowed Kathy the ability to stay home with the kids. Adam found adventure seeing the nation through the windshield of his truck. His routes took him to places like Florida, Pennsylvania and all over the Midwest.

Kathy took her job as a homemaker very seriously. She led girl scout troops, joined the mother’s club, and became one of the favorite neighborhood moms. She worked outside of the home for a while, but God had other plans for her.

Grandparents!! In 1999 Adam and Kathy became grandparents for the first time with the birth of Ceceilia. Kathy provided daycare for this beloved child. But growing up with siblings Denise & Josh knew that Cece needed a sister, so 5 years later Ava was born.

Soon their 3 rd granddaughter Kaylynn was born into the world. She is the oldest of Laura and Daniel. She was a welcomed addition to the family.

Through the power of prayer and faith in God, Caryn & Dan were able to give Adam & Kathy’s their first grandson, Lucas. His bright blue eyes are just like Grandpa Adam. Just like Denise, Caryn knew the importance of siblings, so a few years later Jacquelyn was born.

Of course, you may notice the couple likes round numbers, another grandchild was in order. This is when Daniel and Laura gave birth to Sonja. She is the spitting image of her dad (who happens to be the spitting image of Adam).

Adam and Kathy love surrounding themselves with their children and grandchildren. Every Friday night they host dinner with all of them. This time provides the ability to keep their relationships close. This also allows them to keep tabs on what their family is up to and the many adventures they all have.

In 2021 Adam decided that driving the big rig in the winters just wasn’t what he wanted to do anymore, so he retired from Kolbe & Kolbe. His retirement came at a good time because soon after his retirement, Ceceilia and Owen gave them their first great grandchild, Lorenzo. Kathy happily came out of retirement to provide day care for this little one and they truly enjoy having him around. If you read the wedding party portion of the website, you may have noticed that the second great grandbaby is on the way. The whole family is excited for this newest addition.

re·tire·ment

a : an act of retiring : the state of being retired

b : withdrawal from one's position or occupation or from active working life

c : the age at which one normally retires

You may wonder why I’ve added the definition of retirement. Well, that is more for Adam and Kathy’s reference. Neither one really seems to know the definition, they are on the move more now than ever.

Like I said earlier, Kathy’s days are full of taking care of the grandchildren. This includes the older ones that don’t necessarily need daily care but need the occasional day with Grandma or a ride to a special event. She also fills her days creating items to give as gifts and/or benefits. Her quilt creations are often the sought after item at fundraisers. She attends the gym at least 3 times a week and has formed great friendships there.

Adam – well, I’m not sure I will be able tell you all he does. He spends 40+ hours a week volunteering at various places in the community. Orphan Grain Train, Sober Living, Habitat for Humanity, and more. Most mornings he can be found at the warming center making breakfast for the homeless community. Like Kathy, he also drives the grandkids and their friends to activities they are involved in. God and faith are up front in both their lives.

The church has always been a place where you would find Adam and Kathy doing various services and events. They are well known and respected at church by fellow parishioners. Whether it is attending church services together or separate, (Adam serves on an ushering team) or joining the special social events in the church community, either way they never miss. God keeps his eye on them and provides what they need when they need it. It is their extreme faith that has gotten them through the rough parts of life and for the blessings they have received.

We hope you enjoy celebrating this anniversary party with us. Adam and Kathy are blessed to have each one of you in their lives and this party is a celebration of you as well.

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