Charlie and Marilyn Hoessle celebrated their 70th anniversary Jan. 5.
The couple met at Cleveland High School and attended Harris Teachers College.
After serving two years in the Army, Charlie operated a pet store in Affton for 10 years. In 1963 he joined the zoo as a reptile keeper and was eventually named zoo director, where he stayed for 20 years.
They have two sons, Kirk (Alaska) and Bradley (Colorado); two daughters, Marty (Brad Michaels) of Richmond Heights and Tracy (Joel) Malke of South County; four grandchildren, Jeff (Katie) Malke, Jaclyn (Ian) Madrigal and Cameron Hoessle and Gabrielle Markel of Alaska.
