Families meet for 65th reunion

Members of the Collett and Hayen families met for their 65th annual reunion Sunday at the Marion County Lake hall.

After a potluck lunch, president Dennis Hammer conducted a business meeting at which 2025 officers were elected.

Keith Collett was named president, and Hammer will take over for Erin Meierhoff as secretary.

Memorable family events, including the birth of three new babies in the last year, were shared.

Afterward, items such as Halloween décor, baked goods, and family heirlooms were auctioned off.

Those attending from Marion included Erin and Keenan Meierhoff, Randy and Rachel Collett, Max and Donna Hayen, Virginia Downing, John Umberger, Greg and MaryBeth Bowers, Shirley Bowers, Howard Collett, Stacey and Carla Collett, Chris and Kathy Meierhoff, and Brandon Meierhoff.

Out-of-town attendees included Brent and Amy Hayen; Clarice and Willy Hammer; Caroline Collett and Santosh Dandi; Dennis Hammer; Hollyce Morris; Colleen Sly; Anita Sly; Andrea, Kiaan and Kaace Alstatt; Lucy Collett; Melinda and Martin Gracenstein; Keith Collett; Brea, Lily, Silas, Magnolia, Verbena, Juniper, and Arlo Castleberry; Pat and Sue Talbott; Terry and Gina Marx; John Henry Marx and Ashley Carrillo; Deanna Talbott; Rebecca Wagner; Lillian Collett; and Adam Collett.

The next reunion will be Oct. 12, 2025, at the lake hall.