Aug. 8, Mr. And Mrs. Joseph Gisler celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary aboard the Ryndam Alaskan cruise liner surrounded by immediate family. The ship made three ports of call, one being Juneau where they would spend a few hours with their granddaughter, Stephanie. Both Natalie and Joe graduated from llwaco High School and are life long residents of the Long Beach Peninsula.

Joe served in the United States Army during World War II advancing to Master Sergeant. In August of 1942 he hitchhiked from his army base to South Bend, WA were he and Natalie united their lives. Joe and Natalie built the first home they owned in Seaview from the lumber salvaged from a Ft. Canby Army barracks. This is where they would raise their four children.

Joe worked the seining grounds as a young man. Later he would begin to follow his dream and passion working construction for Kirkman and Strand, while taking a correspondence course in carpentry. In 1952 he formed Gisler Construction. For 29 years he worked and imprinted his craftsmanship throughout the peninsula, retiring in 1981. He contracted the demolition of the Long Beach Hotel in 1963. The 1895 building toppled in less then 3 hours. In its place, he constructed the Long Beach Plaza. He built the first home at Surfside Estates. Sid’s Supermarket, the Long Beach Fire Hall, St. Mary’s rectory, doctor offices, and many private homes stand in testament of his quality work. Joe is a committed public servant. He is a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the World War II Veterans, and the Elks. He also served as a Long Beach councilman.

Natalie kept the home fires burning. She handled the bookkeeping for the construction business, while juggling her homemaking skills, and raising children.

Her talents went beyond her dedication to husband and family. She owned and operated a taxi service on the peninsula. Later she would work for a local florist for 14 years before owning and operating the Montgomery Wards catalog store in Long Beach.

Together Joe and Natalie raised four children: Norman, Joan, Verla, and Sally. Tragedy struck the Gisler family in 1981. After serving eight years in the Navy, Norman returned home to become a commercial fisherman, only to lose his life to his beloved ocean in a storm off Tillamook Head. The blessing of their union has also yielded 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Joe and Natalie are now Yuma snowbirds six months out of the year, always returning to their beloved Peninsula. Their dedication to one another, family, community, and country are testament to all that the American family is our most valued asset. Thanks Mom and Dad for the memories!

With Love and Respect,

Verla Richards, Long Beach, WA

Sally Wright, Long Beach, WA

Joan Tolby, Kelso, WA

Norman Gisler, Eternity