Mr. and Mrs. James Koch II of Palmerton celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Nov. 28. They were married at St. John's Union Church in Palmerton by the late Rev. M.L. Wahrmann.

Mrs. Koch is the former Ruth Straup of Parryville, daughter of the late Thomas and Rose Straup of Parryville. She worked most of her life as a homemaker.Her husband is the son of the late Gertrude and James Koch of Walcksville. He retired from the former Pryofax Gas Company.The couple has five children, Kathryn, wife of Keith Schnell of Lehighton; Ruthann, wife of Harry Morre of Auburn, N.J.; Paul, husband of Linda of Palmerton; James III, husband of Deborah of Lehighton; and Frederick, who passed away in September 2009.They also have 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandson.The Kochs are still members of St. John's Lutheran Church in Palmerton.