Danny (Dan) and Gretchen O’Barr celebrate 50 years

Dan and Gretchen O’Barr were married July 23, 1965, in Mesa, Arizona.

They lived there for several years and then on a small farm in Gilbert, Arizona before moving to Alaska 31 years ago. Eagle River was their first home in Alaska and they’ve lived in Wasilla for 29 years.

Dan worked many years as an electrician and then as an electrical contractor in Arizona before moving to Alaska. He eventually started working on the slope for several companies including 10 years for Doyon Drilling. Recently, he has been the state electrical inspector for the Alyeska Pipeline with plans to retire later this year.

Gretchen worked in several different jobs, mainly as a legal secretary until recently when she got involved in politics and is a member of the Wasilla City Council.

They have eight children, Katy (John) Smith of Yakima, Washington, Nancy (Waleed) Moustafa of Parsippany, New Jersey, Sally (Gil) Munoz, of Stevenson, Washington, Danny (Connie) O’Barr Jr. of Lewis Center, Ohio, Bonny (Jim) Salsbery of Ronan, Montana, Johnny (Heidi) O’Barr of Pflugerville, Texas, Benny O’Barr of Wasilla and Molly (Elvis) Bicharri of Reading, England; and 18 grandchildren.

Their children and grandchildren had a celebration for them in Arizona on April 2, close to Easter, which is when were engaged.