We are celebrating the 50th wedding anniversary of our parents, Karl and Ellen Anderson. What a milestone and we as a family couldn’t be prouder! They have built quite a legacy and we are blessed to be a part of it.

Karl and Ellen were married for time and all eternity on July 25th, 1968, in the Idaho Falls LDS temple. They met in high school and knew after one date that they would end up together. They spent many many years building a life and raising their family, which includes seven children, 29 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren with another due next month. They were also “surrogate” parents to many others over the years and opened their home on more than one occasion to take in someone in need.

They spent their years in wonderful busy craziness, chasing kids, raising animals and working hard at their jobs. Karl started at a young age as the frozen foods manager at Albertsons while attending college at Idaho State University. He went on to teach upholstery at the university, worked for Meadow Gold Dairy, spent many years as a regional manager for Ponderosa Paint, served as a sales rep for both Nicholas and Company and Food Services of America, before working in his absolute favorite job, county commissioner. Karl spent eight years as a Bannock County Commissioner and he loved every minute of it. He loved interacting with people on a daily basis and serving the county where he has lived his entire life, before having to retire early because of health complications.

Ellen was always the master homemaker. Ask anyone in the family — she makes the best breads and goodies, and Christmas is always a treat to find out what hand-sewn or crocheted item you will get. It is the highlight of the holiday to get a “grandma creation.” She effortlessly juggled dance lessons, sports, 4-H, and got all four of her boys to the rank of Eagle in scouting, all while running their dairy goat farm. She also spent many years working at Tyhee Elementary, as well as working with Karl in all their business ventures.

Karl and Ellen owned several small businesses over the years, ranging from landscaping, real estate, a convenience store and a food concession business. While their concession business (delicious mammoth burgers) no longer pops up at multiple events, it does live on at the Eastern Idaho State Fair, ran by some of their children.

These two enjoyed several pastimes over their years together. They have enjoyed serving in multiple callings for their church, camping on their land on Thunder Mountain, being the leaders of Winners Way 4-H Club for many years, playing on bowling leagues and traveling. Some of their favorite trips included going to Hawaii on more than one occasion and going on a cruise with great friends and family.

These two have weathered many storms together and set a great example of what it means to endure to the end, especially in light of recent health problems. They have been great parents and we are so happy to wish them happy anniversary! We love you!