David Kilpela & Deanna Larson’s Wedding - June 15, 2013

A wedding at the lighthouse! Deanna is the youngest daughter of Pete and Jan Larson. I met the Larson’s when I owned a fishing camp in Little Traverse Bay. Pete’s parents owned the fishing camp next to us and every summer my kids would play with Ray Larsen’s grand kids which included Pete and Jan’s children. When I became the new caretaker for the Mendota Lighthouse I gave the fishing camp to Pete and his family in exchange for helping me restore the lighthouse to what it is today. So when Deanna asked if she could get married at the lighthouse it was an easy “yes”….what ever you want.

Having looked at the wedding pictures I have no words to express my feelings. It was just a great happening and will always be part of the lighthouse history. Mendota is a special place for so many reasons…..and this is one of them.

Gary Kohs