They were both born in Alpena. They met as children, throwing chestnuts at each other, met again later, dated, and were married. They raised their family while Julian worked as a fireman, working his way up to fire chief, on his days off he worked at Omni, wiring panels. Sally stayed home with their four kids while also caring for many foster children through the years, which changed eventually to a home daycare to many wonderful children and their families.

Julian and Sally were always reaching out to volunteer in their community, such as being involved in their church; teaching CCD, helping with mother-daughter dinners, and distributing communion. They were part of a prayer chain and belong to a prayer group. They were involved with St. Anne’s school lunch room and school board. After retiring from daycare, Sally volunteered at Alpena General Hospital, and The Friendship Room.

After both were retired, they traveled to Ohio and Wisconsin many times to visit their children and their families, and, an occasional stop at a casino or two while on the road was not unheard of. The past few decades, they both volunteered at The Friendship Room, and still do to this day.

Their children, all who live out of state, decided to not have a one-day party, but instead chose to celebrate the year leading up to their 65th anniversary with a “date night” delivered to them once a month, including dinner, dessert and flowers. One month they were even delivered a picnic basket full of goodies to enjoy in the sunshine of their backyard or at the park. On the day of their 65th wedding anniversary, Julian and Sally received a large cake to share with their friends, and second family, the volunteers at The Friendship Room. Father Bischoff blessed their marriage.

Julian and Sally Skiba now

Their family includes children, Julie Skiba, Mary and Ned Sippel, Terry Skiba and Coy Stephens Jr., Jane and Craig Herron; grandchildren, Jason and Amanda Kollmorgan, Sara and Michael Streblow, Jordan Kollmorgan, Mitchell Herron, Tess Herron, Sarah Stephens and Nick Wiczynski, Elise Stephens, Katie and Matt Cole; and great-grandchildren, Vida Borah, Noah Kollmorgan, Caden Streblow, Jonathan Cole and Wesley Cole.