Johnny Long

Johnny Jay Long passed away at Heritage Estates in Gering NE on December 6^th, 2020 at the age of 72

He was born on May 27^th, 1948 in Arnold Nebraska to Vernon & Edna Long. He was the oldest of 4 children, 2 sisters and a brother. He was raised north of Arnold graduated from Arnold High School in 1967. There were many stories of his high school years and his lack of attendance, seems that his parents were called into the principal’s office on many occasions. I recall one story of him climbing out the window of the principal’s office, even back then he had a love for the outdoors and adventure.

John married Cynthia Ahrens in March of 1967 and had 3 daughters. While the girls were growing up John worked several jobs in too many towns to mention. Most of those jobs were ranching which he had a true love for.  He spent many weekends helping his Dad with anything that had to do with horses or cattle.  When he was not helping his Dad, those weekends were spent with family and friends either coon hunting or seeing who could ride that barrel the longest, and without getting hurt.  

On June 29^th, 1989 John married Marlene Hansel and resided in Oshkosh NE. Starting in about 2005 they spent most of their time traveling around in their 5^th wheel and working whenever and wherever the opportunity arose, that is when they were not fishing or just hanging out with all the other campers at the campgrounds.  During that time, he ran heavy equipment and helped his son-in-law build many a fence line. They finally settled down in Stapleton NE where he went to work for Rich Burnside running heavy equipment, farming and driving a truck.

John enjoyed football, especially the New England Patriots, dancing, hunting, fishing and just sitting around telling stories.

John is survived by his 3 daughters, Lea (Ernie) Hottell of Kimball NE, Cristi Koeppen of Sidney NE, and Jessica (Sean) Fulton of Sidney NE. Sister Peggy (Denny) Beatty of Garland NE, brother Jim (Pam) Long of Arnold NE and sister Norna (Frank) Scott of Gandy.  8 granddaughters, 2 grandsons, 7 great grandkids and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded by his wife Marlene, 1 grandson, his parents and his grandparents.

Memorial Service will be held on December 26^th at 11:00 at the Gandy Community Church in Gandy NE. Memorials are suggested to Donor’s choice. Inurnment will be at a later date.  

We will miss those bright eyes, that wonderful smile and his love for life and enjoying it to the fullest