John and Lillian Burkert

John and Lillian Burkert of Butler celebrated 50 years of marriage with a family dinner Saturday.

The former Lillian Rice married Burkert June 1, 1957, at Westminster United Presbyterian Church in Evans City.

They have five children, Sherry McGahan of North Smithfield, R.I.; Cindy Sye of Zelienople; Jeffrey Burkert of Chicora; Todd Burkert of Crown Point, Ind.; and Beth Hildebrand of Butler.

They also have 11 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.

Burkert is retired from International Mill Services, where he worked as an engineer.

Mrs. Burkert is a retired human resources secretary. She was employed at Paragon Trade Brands.

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The Burkerts in 1957