Francis and Dolores Yanak

Francis and Dolores (Hurley) Yanak, also known as Frank and Dee, celebrated their 65th anniversary at a gala garden party with 170 family members and friends in attendance. The party was held at their daughter, Susan's, home in Petaluma.

The afternoon included story-telling about kith and kin and was accompanied by a savory table featuring fresh Alaska salmon and roast pig with a wide selection of beverages.

The couple met on a blind date at a high school dance in Seattle, Wash. in 1945. Frank said although it might not seem possible at such a young age, he felt they bonded as soon as they met. He served in the Army, stationed in Korea from 1946-1948. Following his discharge and return to Seattle, they were married on Sept. 11, 1948 in St. Teresa's Church.

After earning a BA from Seattle University, Frank entered the federal service as a career public servant from 1952-1985. Career moves took them to the following cities: Spokane, Seattle, Des Moines, Washington, Denver, St. Louis, and San Francisco. They've had homes in Novato and Petaluma for the past five years.

Frank retired as a member of the federal Senior Executive Service, e.g. San Francisco OPM Regional Director. For the past 20 years, he has been a distinguished adjunct professor (PhD, currently at Golden Gate University, and previously at the University of San Francisco and San Francisco State University. Dee managed the household and raised their nine children. After the children moved out, she became a cashier at Macy's for 10 years. Dee did volunteer work for years at the Novato Cancer Discovery Shop and Novato High School. In addition, she was a Girl Scout leader.

They enjoy domestic and international travel, land tours, cruise ships and river boats. They have land toured 38 countries, taken cruises to five countries and toured 32 states including Alaska and Hawaii. Special family trips include a Tuscan holiday with nine children and their spouses; and a family reunion in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., with 63 members of their immediate family. Frank and Dee regularly participate in extended family reunions with siblings, nieces, nephews and close friends.

Immediate family members include: son, Frank and his wife, Nancy, of Phoenix; son, John, and his wife, Michelle, of Ripon; son, Joseph, and his wife, Peg, of San Anselmo; son, James, and his wife, Julie, of Petaluma; daughter, Kathleen Temple, and her husband, David, of Chesapeake Beach, Md., daughter, Karen Allhoff, and her husband, Thomas, of Petaluma; daughter, Mary Beth Shaw, and her husband, Brian of Greenwood, daughter, Susan Murray and Dion Reif of Petaluma; and daughter Sarah Broughton, and her husband, Philip, of Petaluma. They have 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Their advice for a long and happy marriage is to have "love for one another based on mutual respect, joint decision making and sacrifice for the family good."