Charley Long

Charley Harrison Long, age 87, of Pine River, was born October 31, 1925, in Harrisburg, South Dakota, to Ferdinand and Helena (McCain) Long. He passed away from cancer and its complications on January 23, 2013. He attended Iowa State College for engineering prior to his army military service. Charley was in active duty from November 1943 to August 1946 and was in the reserves from August 1946 to 1949. He received the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, W/1 Bronze Battle Star, three Overseas Service Bars, Army of Occupation Medal Germany, and Good Conduct Medal. While serving in Belgium, he met Joy Huydts, and they were married on June 8th, 1946, in Molenbeek, Belgium. They lived in Sioux Falls, Tea, and Lennox, SD, before moving to Pine River in 1958. There he milked cows, raised 9 kids and worked for Kraus Anderson Construction from 1965-1974. Charley was a member of Local 563. He worked at the IDS Building, Eden Prairie Center, and Gambles Building on Highway 100 despite his fear of heights.

Charley is survived by daughter, Dolores Durm (Edwin) of Merrifield; sons: Ron (Sherry) of Brooklyn Park, Michael (Barb) of Osakis, Terry (Linnea) of Monticello, Jeff (Ginny) of Howard Lake, Doug (Shelley) of Cokato, Peter (Sherilyn) of New Hope; daughter-in-law, Shelly Long of Dilworth; brother, Connie (Eula) of Virginia; sister, Illene Carlson of Florida; brother-in-law, Jim VanderLinden of Sioux Falls; 34 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joy; sons, Timmy and Sid; grandson, Bruce; sister, Rosella VanderLinden; and brother-in-law, George Carlson.

Services will be 3 PM on Saturday, February 2, at Kline Funeral Home, Pine River. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service. Interment with military honors will be May 25th at the Swanburg Cemetery, rural Pine River, with a gathering at the Long farm following the interment.