Pope, Andersen marry in Newark

Eric Willis Andersen and Rachel Renee Pope were married Saturday, June 20, 2009, at Helmar Lutheran Church in Newark.

A dinner reception and dancing followed the ceremony.

The reception was held at the Kendall County Fairgrounds outside of Yorkville.

The bride is the daughter of Paul and Rita Pope of Lisbon. The groom is the son of Merle and Debbie Andersen of Newark.

Grandparents of the groom include Willis and Delores Johnson of Lisbon, Merle Andersen of Kinsman, and Don and Margaret Harvey of Largo, Fla.

Grandparents of the bride include Landy and Marie Walker of Lisbon and Ron and Phyllis Bogart of Newark.

Pastor Steve Larson of Morris officiated the ceremony, while Nicole Talley of Newark played the piano.

Kelsie Borchers, friend of the bride, sang “Give Me Jesus.” Mark and Jodi Johnson, friends of the couple, read scripture. Saxophonist Josh Britz and flutist Christy Pope played instrumental pieces.
Christy Pope, sister of the bride, was maid of honor. Greg Sperry, friend of the groom, was the best man.

Kimberly Britz, Nicole Andersen, Amy Meier, Kelly Friestad and Alesha Wyman were bridesmaids. Kelly Mathre was a junior bridesmaid.

Josh Britz, Matthew Slack, Aaron Andersen, Ryan Schram and Nick Slack were groomsmen. Paul Pope was a junior groomsmen.

Lily Britz was the flower girl. Jackson Walker was the ring bearer.

Steven Walker, Patrick Pope and Luke Larson were ushers.

Eric and Rachel honeymooned at the Winding River Resort at Grand Lake, Colo.

They currently reside in Bettendorf, Iowa, while Eric attends Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa.

Rachel is substitute teaching at Rockridge Junior High and coaching volleyball for Platform Elite Volleyball Club.