Gale and Joyce Van Wagner celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 26, 2013 at the John A. Lau Saloon. Sharing in the celebration were their children and grandchildren, Tom and Barb Wawrzyniak, Jeremy Stoppa and friend Susie, and Bruce, Peggy and Justine LaFleche.

Gale and the former Joyce Sylvester were married on Oct. 26, 1963 in Alpena. They have three children: Deanna (Kurt) Taratuta, Melony (Kendall) Sumerix and Carl Van Wagner. The couple also have six grandchildren: Clorissa (Dan) Bresino, Tyler, Andrew, Brent, Jacob and Kyla.