Thirty-five years ago, a native Northgate Hospital-born girl named Joanne Soderlund at the age of 11 met her future husband, Wendell Wysong, who moved to "Little Old Lake City" in the summer of 1964. The two were merely friends at the time.

Joanne attended three local schools: Lake City Elementary, which by the way her grandfather who owned a local lumberyard long before her birth helped build; Jane Addams Junior High, where Joanne later taught pre-school; and Nathan Hale High School.

Wendell attended Cedar Park Elementary, Jane Addams Junior High and Nathan Hale High School.

In 1970, Joanne entered a brand new junior college, North Seattle Community College. Wendell, in the meantime, enlisted in the Army and was soon shipped off to fight the Vietnam War.

He returned home from the Army with a full honorable discharge on March 13, 1973.

He was going to E.C.P.I. Computer School when the two accidentally met again at the Denny's restaurant in "Little Old Lake City," of all places.

The two became inseparable and they married at Olympic Hills Nazarene Church by Paster Edgar Bibb.

Pastor Bibb made the comment that he had never married anyone who had later gotten a divorce. Well, guess what: Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 1999, will be the couple's 25th wedding anniversary.

They have had several accomplishments during their marriage. Two great sons, Jacob and Dustin. They have also served the community at Olympic Hills Elementary School in many capacities, such as president of the PTA, where they wrote the newsletter among other things.

They have raised money for kids working with the Northwest Sportsmen Club.

Wendell has also served as president of the Lake City Community Council.

Since 1990, the two have been very active members in the Lake City Western Vigilantes, raising money for youth groups.

The Wysongs have this to say: "Thank you, Lake City, for all the fond memories and to all our acquaintances and many friends and family for all your love and support the past 25 years. Let's do it again and we will update you all again in the year 2024 - on our 50th anniversary."