Sauers mark 50th wedding anniversary

Gene and Gerri Sauer began their journey 50 years ago on a blind date in San Bernardino, Calif., when he was an aircraft mechanic stationed at Norton Air Force Base and she was working in clerical.

Gene was born and raised in Buckman, Minn., and Gerri in Belen, N.M.

They were married Sept. 15, 1962. Shortly after their marriage they were stationed in Florida for two years, and upon his completion of service in the Air Force they went to Minnesota and then on to California again. They lived in Barstow and Hinkley, Calif., for nearly 17 years before moving to Alaska and settling in Knik.

Gene and Gerri are both retired from federal civil service. Gene works as an equipment operator/material handler at Valley Community for Recycling Solutions in Palmer. He is an avid coin collector (the “quarter guy”), a volunteer and enjoys tinkering in the garage. Gerri is happily retired and has spent many hours volunteering for Hospice care, on the board of the Wasilla Senior Center and as an Eucharistic Minister. Together they enjoy listening to music and working the daily newspaper crossword puzzles. They attend Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Big Lake.

Together they have raised four children: Bob Sauer of Daggett, Calif.; Gina Sauer-Sims of Wasilla; Annette Sauer of Barstow, Calif.; and Mike Sauer of Murrietta, Calif. They are the proud grandparents of 15 and great-grandparents of 13.

In celebration of their golden anniversary, they have planned a honeymoon trip to Talkeetna and a springtime boating trip on the Inside Passage.

Their children and families wish them a very happy golden anniversary.

“Thank you for being so supportive, giving and loving over the years,” the family wrote. “Many more happy years to come. We love you. God bless you both daily.”