Long features
A lasting union
The Narlochs recently celebrated 58 years of wedded bliss
Date Published: February 2008
[Susan Jameson/Granite Bay View]
Pete and Betty Narloch recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary.
[Courtesy Photo/]
Betty and Pete Narloch were voted King and Queen of Valentine's Day at a celebration at Eskaton Lodge Granite Bay.
The Narlochs met shortly after World War II at a YMCA dance in Madison, Wis. But it wasn't love at first sight. After all, at the time Betty had a boyfriend and Pete says it took some time to convince her he was The One.
They knew each other for two more years, before Pete popped the question as both approached the age of 30.
"He said 'I don't want to be alone for Christmas,'" recalls Betty.
So they were married Dec. 17, 1949. Shortly thereafter (1950) they relocated to Southern California where Pete attended graduate school at UCLA.
"Our families put us on a train in Chicago and said, 'Go west,'" says Betty with a nostalgic smile.
In 1975, Pete was transferred to Sacramento while working for the State Department of Justice, where he worked in crime study.
"They are scattered here and there, but mostly in California," says Pete.
Betty grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, then went to business school and was working for an architectural firm when she met Pete. Pete also grew up in Wisconsin and both site this common background as part of the secret to their long marriage.
"We both come from large families," says Betty.
Pete has other advice for a long and happy marriage.
"She says, 'Don't argue with your husband, just say yes,'" he says with a chuckle.
They have also enjoyed many of the same interests, like traveling.
"We've traveled to 15 Elderhostels," says Betty.
Elderhostels offer learning adventures for people 55 and older. They are expert led and run in all 50 states as well as around the world. Betty says she and her husband have traveled around the country throughout their 58 years together, sometimes through these programs, often run by colleges or nonprofits.
About 10 or 12 years ago, the Narlochs had the opportunity to go on an 18-day European trip with a group of about 30 people. With a German professor as their guide, they traveled to London, Paris and the Netherlands, among other places.
"We saw the White Cliffs of Dover," says Betty.
Both agree that London was their favorite stop, though Betty holds Paris as an equally thrilling destination.
They also enjoy movies and have many favorites.
"Old movies - Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant," explains Betty, whose favorite movie is "Casablanca."
Pete adds John Wayne movies to his list of great movies, adding that "Red River" is probably his favorite.
They used to go on a lot of hikes and fished together in days gone by. Now, they are content with the amenities offered at Eskaton Lodge in Granite Bay.
One of only two couples currently living in the facility, the Narlochs enjoy the fine dining atmosphere and the three meals a day offered.
"We visited a lot of places," says Pete. "It was brand new when we moved in (in 2003). There were only 30 people, now there's over 100. It had one of the nicer dining rooms too."
Betty enjoys the socials at the facility - especially the trivia and poetry groups, while Pete says he prefers the quiet of staying at home. Despite Pete's reluctance to be the life of the party, the couple was voted last year's King and Queen of Valentine's Day at Eskaton.
They knew each other for two more years, before Pete popped the question as both approached the age of 30.
"He said 'I don't want to be alone for Christmas,'" recalls Betty.
So they were married Dec. 17, 1949. Shortly thereafter (1950) they relocated to Southern California where Pete attended graduate school at UCLA.
"Our families put us on a train in Chicago and said, 'Go west,'" says Betty with a nostalgic smile.
In 1975, Pete was transferred to Sacramento while working for the State Department of Justice, where he worked in crime study.
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Over the years they've raised five sons - Paul and Chris who still live in the Sacramento area, Peter, who lives in Eureka, David who lives in the Stockton area and Bruce who lives in Seattle."They are scattered here and there, but mostly in California," says Pete.
Betty grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, then went to business school and was working for an architectural firm when she met Pete. Pete also grew up in Wisconsin and both site this common background as part of the secret to their long marriage.
"We both come from large families," says Betty.
Pete has other advice for a long and happy marriage.
"She says, 'Don't argue with your husband, just say yes,'" he says with a chuckle.
They have also enjoyed many of the same interests, like traveling.
"We've traveled to 15 Elderhostels," says Betty.
Elderhostels offer learning adventures for people 55 and older. They are expert led and run in all 50 states as well as around the world. Betty says she and her husband have traveled around the country throughout their 58 years together, sometimes through these programs, often run by colleges or nonprofits.
About 10 or 12 years ago, the Narlochs had the opportunity to go on an 18-day European trip with a group of about 30 people. With a German professor as their guide, they traveled to London, Paris and the Netherlands, among other places.
"We saw the White Cliffs of Dover," says Betty.
Both agree that London was their favorite stop, though Betty holds Paris as an equally thrilling destination.
They also enjoy movies and have many favorites.
"Old movies - Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant," explains Betty, whose favorite movie is "Casablanca."
Pete adds John Wayne movies to his list of great movies, adding that "Red River" is probably his favorite.
They used to go on a lot of hikes and fished together in days gone by. Now, they are content with the amenities offered at Eskaton Lodge in Granite Bay.
One of only two couples currently living in the facility, the Narlochs enjoy the fine dining atmosphere and the three meals a day offered.
"We visited a lot of places," says Pete. "It was brand new when we moved in (in 2003). There were only 30 people, now there's over 100. It had one of the nicer dining rooms too."
Betty enjoys the socials at the facility - especially the trivia and poetry groups, while Pete says he prefers the quiet of staying at home. Despite Pete's reluctance to be the life of the party, the couple was voted last year's King and Queen of Valentine's Day at Eskaton.
Susan Jameson is the editor of the Granite Bay View. She can be reached at susanj@goldcountrymedia.com.
