Jim Thorpe couple celebrates 60 years

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Helmer of Jim Thorpe will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.

They were married Aug. 22, 1953 at the Jim Thorpe UCC Church by the Rev. Preuss.

The former Joyce Heckman is the daughter of the late Asher and Mary Heckman of Unionville.

Albert Helmer Sr. is the son of the late Frank and Sadie Helmer of Unionville. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army and retired from Bethlehem Steel in 1985 after nearly 35 years.

The couple has four children: Brenda, married to Roger Freed, of Olathe, Kansas; Albert Jr., who passed away in February 2007; Gary, married to Ruth, of Jim Thorpe; and Lori, married to Teddy LaRizzio, of Jim Thorpe.

They have eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. A grandson, Adam, passed away in February 2010.

The couple will celebrate their anniversary with a small family dinner.