Couples: April 28, 2007

Engagement: Distel and Koep

Together with their parents, Michelle Koep and Justin Distel, announce their engagement.

Parents of the couple are Mike and Suzanne Koep of Fergus Falls, James and Karen Distel of Johnstown, Colo., and Michelle Perry of Longmont, Colo.

Michelle is a 2004 graduate of Fergus Falls High School.

Justin is a 2003 graduate of Longmont High School. Both are pursuing degrees in youth ministry and biblical studies at Oak Hills Christian College in Bemidji.

A June 2, 2007, wedding is planned in Fergus Falls. The couple will reside in Bemidji.

Wedding: Albertson

Hannah Kelley and Darren Albertson were married Dec. 30, 2006, at Community Church in Thief River Falls with the Rev. Ollie Urdahl officiating.

Parents are Mark and Tricia Kelley of Thief River Falls and Darrell and Patty Albertson of Fergus Falls.

Matron of Honor was Sarah Jacobson, sister of the bride. The bride's attendants were Jennah Kelley, Laurah Kelley and Keturah Kelley, sisters of the bride, and Tammy Whier, friend of the bride. Best man was Christopher Taylor, friend of the groom. The groom's attendants were Matt Komprood, Jason Loraas, Steve Densmore and Sean Keller, all friends of the groom.

Flower girls were Sarah Catherwood and Sophia Farrant, nieces of the groom. Personal attendant was Tammy McQuwon. Ushers were John Anderson and Jesse Behm, friends of the groom.
A reception was held at the Community Church in Thief River Falls.

The couple resides in Anchorage, Alaska. Darren is an airplane mechanic with Peninsula Airways and Hannah in an x-ray technician at Providence Alaska Medical Center, both in Anchorage.

Anniversary: Kratzke

Kratzkes to celebrate 50th anniversary

Kenneth and Margaret Kratzke of Fergus Falls, formerly of Pelican Rapids, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary today with a private family gathering at Thumper Pond Resort in Ottertail.

Margaret Cowan and Kenneth Kratzke were married April 27, 1957, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Fargo. The family celebration is hosted by their children: Deb (Chuck) Evenson, Kurt (Susan) Kratzke and Kathy (Jim) Lehn and their six grandchildren.

Engagement: Soland and Bjerke

Kristin Bjerke and Joshua Soland announce their engagement.

Parents are Joni Grunewald of Fargo; the late Daniel Bjerke, and Russell and Mary Soland of Elizabeth.

Kristin attends North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton, and is employed by MeritCare, Fargo.

Joshua graduated from Fergus Falls High School and is employed by Food Service of America, Fargo.

A June 16, 2007, wedding is planned at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Moorhead.

Engagement: Walvatne and Hamre

David and Patti Hamre of Erskine announce the engagement of their daughter, Melissa Beth, to Kelly Daniel Walvatne, son of Daniel and Julie Walvatne of Dalton.

Melissa is a graduate of Win-E-Mac High School and Mayville State University. She is employed as a Data Manager at PRACS Institute, LTD in Fargo.

Kelly is a graduate of Ashby High School and is employed as a case processor at US Bank in Fargo.

A May 5, 2007, wedding is planned at Grace Lutheran Church in Erskine.

Engagement: Zachmann and Eide

Laurel Eide of Elbow Lake and Carl Zachmann of Fergus Falls, announce their engagement.

Laurel is the daughter of Gail and Leroy Eide of Elbow Lake. She is a 2001 graduate of Foley High School and is a 2005 graduate of Minnesota State University, Moorhead, with a degree in mass communications.

Carl is the son of Jeff and Deb Zachmann of Fergus Falls. He is a 2001 graduate of Fergus Falls High School and is a 2006 graduate of Minnesota State University, Moorhead, with a degree in anthropology.

A May 19, 2007, wedding is planned at Zion Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls. The couple plans to reside in Bloomington, Ill.