John and Joan Morrell will be commemorating their 65th wedding anniversary at a family celebration at their Carolyn Avenue home in Escalon.

The two met in Utah when John was in the Air Force during WWII.

They were married in Utah on Aug. 9, 1947. At the time, John was attending Utah State College. That is where he obtained a teaching degree and the couple also started their family while in Utah.

The couple had seven children, Connie, Bill, Susan, Douglas, Carol, Mary, and Brian; and nine grandchildren.

They moved to Escalon when John was hired by the Escalon School District to teach eighth grade, where taught for 36 years. Joan worked for United Vintners.

Both John and Joan have been active in school, civic, athletic and religious organizations for all of their time in Escalon and are now enjoying their retirement, which includes their love of fishing and the outdoors, traveling and spending time with family and friends.