Edith and Fred Helmer will celebrate 65 years of marriage on Thursday. The couple married on Oct. 17, 1948 in Syracuse.

They have four children: David Helmer of Marion, Debra Thomison of Denison, Iowa, Deanna Gilbert of Alma, and Dan Helmer of Andover. They have eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Fred worked for Security Oil Co. for 25 years and owned Helmer Service Station in Marion.

Edith worked for the State of Kansas for 29 years.

The couple resides at Hilltop Manor.