A family dinner was held Nov. 7 at Infusino's Restaurant in honor of the 50th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Nelson of Racine.

Nelson and the former Julie McClure were married Nov. 7, 1959, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Nelson was employed by Western Publishing Co. Inc. for 40 years, retiring in 1996. He is currently working part time for BenchMark of Racine.

In the summer, Nelson enjoys his flower and vegetable gardens. He also enjoys playing horseshoes and competing against his children and grandchildren in baggo, bocce ball and Polish horseshoes. In the winter, Nelson enjoys woodworking and crafts.

Mrs. Nelson, a homemaker, enjoys cooking and baking dinner every Sunday for her children and grandchildren. She prepares special dinners and cakes to celebrate everyone's birthday. A choir concert or a football game is a special treat to see her grandchildren.

The Racine natives are members of Atonement Lutheran Church.

The couple has five children: Kimberly Nelson and Wendy Smaniotto of Racine; Katie (Don) Freitag of Kenosha; Patty (Mike) Bira of Wrightstown; and Scott (Gwen) of Waterford. The Nelsons have nine grandchildren.