Wilson and Karen Tirk

Wilson and Karen Tirk of Butler celebrated 50 years of marriage with a surprise open house Sunday at the Unionville Grange.

Tirk married the former Karen Zarnick on March 30, 1959, at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church.

They have three children, Pam Shultz of Butler, Jon Tirk of Butler and Matt Tirk of Lyndora.

They also have five grandchildren.

Tirk is retired from working as a welder at the Wise Machine Shop. He belongs to the National Rifle Association and the Sons of Italy.

Mrs. Tirk worked at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Wetterau.

The Tirks belong to St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church.