Couple celebrates 50 years
Herbert J. and Elaine L. Gossen of Roberts Cove celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 10, 2008, and were honored on June 14 during a reception held at the St. Leo Church Parish Hall hosted by the couple’s children and grandchildren.
The day’s events began with an 11 a.m. anniversary mass and renewal of vows at St. Leo IV Catholic Church in Roberts Cove. The nuptial mass was officiated by Reverend Martin Leonards, cousin of Mrs. Gossen, and Reverend Francis Bourgeois, pastor.
Mrs. Gossen is the former Elaine Leonards, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Philip Leonards. Her groom of 50 years is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry P. Gossen.
The couple’s parents and deceased siblings were remembered and honored during the mass and reception.
Mr. and Mrs. Gossen were married on June 10, 1958 during a nuptial mass at St. Leo Catholic Church by Monsignor Aloysius Olinger, uncle of the groom; Reverend Alois Reznicek and Reverend J. LaFleur.
Mary Ann Leonards served as maid of honor and Ralph Gossen as best man. Other attendants were Loretta Z. Kurta, Catherine G. Cramer, Gilbert Gossen, and the late Gerald Leonards.
They are the parents of 11 children, Diane G. Comeaux, Cyndy G. Gibson, Phil Gossen, Saundra G. Cook, Darlene G. Smith, Dwayne Gossen, Bonnie G. Foreman, Keith Gossen, Charlene G. Boone, Paul Gossen and Herbert J. Gossen, Jr.
Their 20 grandchildren include Kyle, Kade and Kara Comeaux, Kane and Damian Hubbard, Andrew and Julia Gossen, Jacob and Katelyn Smith, Bryant and Jeanne Claire Gossen, Blake and John-Paul Gossen, Jordan and Mollie Gossen, Ellyn, Madelyn and Jacklyn Boone and Nicholas and Allie Gossen.
For the special occasion, Mrs. Gossen was lovely in an aqua blue, two-piece, tea-length dress with taupe, crystal and pearl embellishments on the jacket that gathered in the front with a self-fabric tie. Her groom wore a navy blue suit with a white dress shirt and coordinating tie.
Guests were provided a variety of refreshments including brisket, crawfish fetticini, vegetable and fruit trays, meatballs, chicken salad sandwiches, mushroom cruettes, crab cups, hot and cold dips, an array of chips and dips, and a selection of beverages.
The special anniversary cake was a three-tier confection displayed on a silver pedestal and filled with coconut, pineapple and raspberry fillings. The elegant creation was accentuated with white accents and trim work, along with scattered fresh roses and topped with a fresh rose bouquet.
Guests attended the special celebration from various parts of Louisiana and Texas, including 200 family members and friends.
Special guests in attendance were the couple’s godchildren, Ronnie Didier, Stephen Didier, Jeannie G. Thibodeaux and Jerry Leonards.
Homemade German sugar cookies were given to guests as they departed the reception.
Among the decorations and memorabilia provided throughout the reception hall was a special slide show of the couple’s life, along with photos of their children and grandchildren through the stages of their marriage.