Alexa family photos FRANCIS AND JOAN ALEXA

CHANNING — Francis “Ponch” and Joan Alexa of Sawyer Lake, Channing, recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

They were united in marriage on Aug. 15, 1953, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Chicago. Maid of honor was Joyce Berg, Joan’s twin sister, and Bill Schmall served as best man.

The couple made their home in Chicago after Ponch was discharged from the Coast Guard. While in Chicago, he worked as a cabinet maker and designer. Some of his creations were displays featured in the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

Their children, Steve (Kathy) Alexa of Vulcan, Pam (Don) Minerick of Sagola, and Laurie (Mike) Jauquet of Channing, were born in Chicago. Julie (David) Roell of Channing, and Michael (Lori) Alexa of Sawyer Lake, were born in Marinette, Wis. after the family moved to Coleman, Wis. From Coleman, they relocated to Gwinn, where Ponch worked in the mines, and then quickly moved back to the Sagola area.

Ponch built homes, cabins, and did remodeling in his spare time, and Joan worked at North Dickinson Schools as a teacher’s aide.

They spent 23 winters in Mulberry, Fla., and met many good friends there.

The Alexa’s have 19 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter to complete five generations.

Their 65th anniversary was celebrated at Firekeeper’s Restaurant at the Island Resort and Casino with all five children in attendance, along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.