Mr. and Mrs. Glenn J. Garretson, 3 Meredith Drive, will celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary March 3, 2001. A family dinner will he held at a later date.

The former Marie Simpson and Glenn Garretson were married March 3, 1945, at First United Methodist Church. The Rev. Dr. T. J. M. Crapp officiated at the ceremony.

Attendants were Charles Defenbaugh, Manville, and Anita Paul, Streator, sister of the groom.

The couple are the parents of eight children: Gerald (Carole) Garretson, Streator; Glenda (Mrs. Bruce) Pecka, DeKalb; Janice (Mrs. Robert) Jakubcin, Deiiver, Colo.; Thomas (Nancy) Garretson, Phoenix. Ariz; Bonita (Mrs. Ron) Calandra, Oakland, Calif.; Troy (Beth) Garretson, Carl Junction, Mo.; Todd (Chris) Garretson, Peru; and Lisa Garretson, deceased. They have 17 grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

The couple has farmed near Kernan for 56 years. Glenn continues to farm and raise cattle. Marie was formerly employed by Owens-Illinois Glass, J. C. Penney, the Bridal Boutique and as business manager for the couple's farm operation.