George R. Mike Long

FUNERAL SERVICES: 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home VISITATION: 6 to 8 PM Tuesday at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the services on Wednesday INTERMENT: Greenwood Cemetery GEORGE R. "Mike" LONGJune 23, 1925 " Oct. 30, 2008 George R. "Mike" Long, age 83, a life time Park Rapids, MN area resident, passed away peacefully following a valiant battle against cancer on Thursday, October 30, 2008 at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids. George was born on January 23, 1925 to Pat and Beatrice (Crowell) Long in Grand Park Township of Becker County, MN. He attended country school near his home through the eighth grade. The family moved to a farm near Osage in 1940, where Mike helped with farming responsibilities. At the age of 17, Mike enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served his country during World War II on destroyers in the Aleutian Islands and in the South Pacific theatre of War. He received his honorable discharge in 1946 and returned to Park Rapids where he worked at the Standard Station for two years. On January 5, 1948, Mike enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country again, this time with the Army of Occupation in Korea and then Japan. When the Korean War broke out, Mike served with one of the very first units to enter Korea and fought intensely as Platoon Sgt. with the Wolf Hounds 17th regiment of the 25th Division. Mike"s heroic patriotism earned him numerous medals and ribbons; including: a Purple Heart with clusters and The Combat Infantryman"s Badge. Mike also experienced the honor of a personally meeting General Douglas MCarthur. After being discharged from a military hospital, Mike was assigned to Ripon College in Ripon, WI where he served as an ROTC instructor. While still in the military, Mike was united in marriage to Margaret L. Brewer on December 15, 1950 in Hibbing, MN. This union was blessed with three children: Lynda, Michael and Charles. Upon receiving his honorable discharge on March 31, 1952, George returned to Park Rapids with his family and worked at Everett"s Texaco for five years. He went on to attend technical school on the G.I. Bill and studied to become an electrician. Mike"s career as an electrician spanned for nearly thirty years. He worked for Holmes Electric and Fuhr-Madsen Electric both in Park Rapids before starting up his own company, Mike"s Electric, which he owned and operated until failing health forced him to retire in 1987. Mike loved the out of doors and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family. Each spring he looked forward to planting a large vegetable garden which he nurtured into fruitful abundance to share with his family and friends. He also enjoyed canning the produce from his gardens. He was a gifted dill pickle maker and also made many cans of delicious choke cherry jam. Mike was a long time member of the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 in Park Rapids and also was a member of the Park Rapids Eagles Aerie #870. Above all, Mike devoted his life to his wife, Margaret, his children and his grandchildren who he loved with all his heart. Mike will be lovingly remembered by his bride for these past 58 years, Margaret of Park Rapids; his daughter, Lynda (Jim) Long of Ramsey, MN; his two sons: Michael (Lanora) Long of Portland, OR and Charles Long of Park Rapids; many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren; his brother, Larry (Joyce) Long of Tacoma, WA as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with the Reverend Bob Light officiating. Bill Lundsten will be the soloist and will sing, "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Precious Lord Take My Hand". Jane Wolfe will be the organist. The casket bearers will be his grandsons and great grandsons: Jesse Long, Tyler Long, Marcus Alonzo, Tony Powell, Zachary Powell, and Tanner Poplin. The honorary casket bearers will be his grandson, Matthew Alonzo who is serving in the United States Army in Germany, his old friends, George McGrane and Jerry Willet. Interment will be made in the Greenwood Cemetery. The Star of the North Marine Corps League under the direction of Commander David Free will provide the military honors. The American Legion Auxiliary will host a luncheon for family and friends following the services. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 PM Tuesday at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the services on Wednesday.