Howard and June Moes

<p>Howard and June (Rose) Moes celebrated their 60th anniversary at a dinner party with friends and family in Santa Rosa that was hosted by their son and daughter-in-law. </p><p> They met in their freshman year of college at the University of Illinois, Chicago campus at Navy Pier. Howard put himself through college by working as a stand-up comedian, making him a natural to perform in the school variety shows. June was a fellow performer, although she is quick to point out that he was the one with the talent. It is hard for them to remember where they went on their first date, but their best guess is that they went dancing, since Howard was such a great dancer. After going together for five years, they were married on April 20, 1952, at Sinai Temple in Chicago, followed by a reception at the Windemere Hotel. </p><p> They moved to Santa Rosa in 1973 from Los Angeles, where they had lived since 1955. While living in Southern California, Howard served in the Navy in 1945 and in Submarine Corps Reserves in 1952. In civilian life, he was a psychologist who retired in 1991 from Santa Rosa Junior College as the Director of Redwood Empire Industries, a vocational rehabilitation facility. June retired in 1989 from the Sonoma County Public Health Department. </p><p> Howard was a volunteer steward for Land Paths and The Open Space District. Before GSP devices were commonplace, he used one to make a detailed report for Annadel Park. He also was a guide for the popular "Sea to Sonoma" walk that began at Shell Beach. The pathway he charted involved getting permission for the group to walk through public as well as private land. June was a volunteer with Volunteers in Policing (VIP) and Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). She is a charter member of Redwood Stitchers, a chapter of The Embroiderers' Guild of America; Apple Blossom Stitchers, a chapter of The American Needlepoint Guild; and the Santa Rosa Quilt Guild. She was also active in local community theater, and a former president of The Santa Rosa Players. In addition, she spearheaded a committee to preserve Spring Lake. </p><p> They've traveled to Great Britain, where Howard was a Rambler (hiker); France; and to Italy for their 50th wedding anniversary. </p><p> Family members include: son, Adam Jason Moes, and his wife, Dena, of Chico; and son, Eric Bennet Moes, and his wife, Oona McKnight, of Santa Rosa. </p><p> Their advice for a long and happy marriage is, "Find time to laugh; a sense of humor is better than money."</p>