Thomas and Shirley Perschke of Butler celebrated 50 years of marriage with a family trip to Cape May, N.J., and a family celebration at Conneaut Lake.

The former Shirley Cunningham married Perschke on July 23, 1955, at Moravia Presbyterian Church in Lawrence County.

They have three sons, Thomas Perschke of Renfrew, Dr. Timothy Perschke of Butler and Todd Perschke of Saxonburg. They also have seven grandchildren.

Perschke retired in 1994 from the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union Local 47 after 35 years. A veteran of the Army, he served with the Army Paratroops in Korea. He enjoys lawn care and fishing.

Mrs. Perschke is a homemaker. She also worked at the Butler County Children's Center for 12 years. She enjoys rose gardening, cooking and walking.

The couple belongs to Christ Community United Methodist Church, where they participate in mission work. The couple also enjoys spending winters in Lake Placid, Fla., where they volunteer for Manna Ministries.