Tom and Lois Howell Wagtowicz recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

On Aug. 17, 1969, Thomas Wagtowicz, of New Windsor, New York, and Lois Howell, of Onaway, Michigan, were united in marriage at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Onaway, Michigan, which Howell’s father and uncles built.

On Aug. 17, 2019, the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. An early celebration was hosted in July, so the couple’s daughter Melissa; son-in-law, Dave Williamson; and grandsons, Benjamin and Ryan, who live in Tennessee, could be in attendance. The couple’s other daughter, Jennifer Wagtowicz, lives in the area.

The couple also celebrated the occasion with five members of their wedding party —three were unable to attend, and two have passed away.

Tom was an SDA school teacher and taught for 20 years at Geist Montessori Academy, Goldwater SDA School and Glenwood SDA School. Later, he became a substitute for 27 years and subbed in Dowagiac, Cassopolis, Edwardsburg and Marcellus. He continues to substitute teach.

Lois worked at Borgess Lee-Memorial Hospital, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center and Hospice at Home in St. Joseph. Lois has been an obstetrics nurse for 44 years.