The Varchols

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Varchol, Lower Askam, Hanover Township, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on March 6. The couple both turned 92 years old in December.

They first met at a dance at the Crystal Ballroom in the Heights section of Wilkes-Barre. They married two years later in Wilkes-Barre, one week prior to Daniel’s entrance into the Army in World War II. He served in the 345th Field Artillery and saw battle in England, France, Czechoslovakia and Germany. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic fighting in the Battle of the Bulge.

Upon Daniel’s return home at the war’s end, two years later in 1945, the couple was able to begin their lives together. They purchased a home in Lower Askam, where they raised their family and still reside.

Mary was employed in a silk mill during the war and later worked at Alta Footwear until her retirement.

Daniel worked for Wilkes-Barre Chrome and retired from Kanaar Corporation.

The couple has two children: a son, Brinley Varchol, who resides in Ohio with his wife, Dottie; and a daughter, Linda Messimer, who resides with her husband, Robert, in Mountain Top.

They have five grandchildren: Karen Worley, Ohio; Lisa Perron, Massachusetts; Carissa Hyman, Maryland; Kylie Martis, Ashley; and Kerri Messimer, Mountain Top. They also have three great-grandchildren, Brooke and Sara Worley and Mia Perron.

The momentous occasion was celebrated with family.