Donald Wayne Long, 87, of Waupaca, WI, was welcomed into the kingdom of Heaven on April 25, 2024 surrounded by family.
He was reunited with the love of his life Cynthia Ruth (Peterson) Long.
He was born on November 4, 1936 in Weyauwega, Wisconsin to Oscar and Evelyn (Oppor) Long. Don graduated from Weyauwega High School, and attended UW-Madison until he was needed at his family’s farm.
He met his wife, Cynthia Ruth Peterson, through Cindy’s family’s registered Holsteins. On July 7, 1962, Cynthia and Donald were married at Scandinavia Lutheran Church. After they were married, they moved to rural Weyauwega.
Don and Cindy, with Don’s brother and wife, operated Belleview Farms of Weyauwega, milking about 100 cows. Don enjoyed sharing his knowledge and passion for dairy farming with others. Don helped host farm tours, youth dairy cattle judging, and the Twilight meeting. Don and Cindy, with the help of other parents, hosted the first local Junior Holstein Association meeting in their family room. Don was a 4-H member and leader for many years. Don especially enjoyed showing cattle at the Waupaca County Fair, as well as helping his children and grandchildren show cattle.
Don served on the National Dairy Herd Improvement Association Board and won many awards including the Distinguished Leadership Award and Master Agriculturalist.
Family was important to Don. He valued time with his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family. In retirement, Don enjoyed traveling with Cindy. They enjoyed trips together, with grandchildren, and with extended family and friends to many places such as Alaska, the Bahamas, Yellowstone, and Door County.
During the early years of their marriage, Don and Cindy opened their home and hearts to several foster children. After retirement, Don was actively involved in their church, St. John’s Lutheran Church of Weyauwega, where he served on the council, helped with the ladies’ luncheon, and enjoyed the fellowship. Don so very much appreciated his ongoing connection to St John’s through visits and letters from the congregation. Don also enjoyed going to church services at Bethany.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Cynthia; parents, Oscar and Evelyn Long; brothers, Keith Long and Gene Long; his brothers-in-law, Don Peterson and Curtis Peterson; his sister-in law, Donna Peterson, and other family and friends.
He is survived by his children: Brian (Elis) Long of Weyauwega, Bruce (Brenda) Long of Weyauwega, and Julie (Mark) Schulz of Oxford; his grandchildren: Bryant (Amanda) Long, Brandon Long, Bret Long, Thomas (Alyssa) Long, Michael Long, Joshua Long, Kaitlyn Schulz, Nicholas Schulz, and Patrick Long; his brother: Richard Long; his sisters-in-law: Sue Long, Judy Long, Phyllis (Leo) McSherry, and Judy Peterson; his brother-in-law: Bill (Mary) Peterson; many nieces and nephews; and numerous other family and friends.
The family wishes to thank Bethany Pines, Theda Care Wild Rose, ThedaCare Hospice, and everyone who expressed their condolences.
The Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, N3882 County Road KK, Weyauwega. The visitation will be on Saturday at the church from 8 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Weyauwega. The Maple Crest Funeral Home of Waupaca assisted the family with arrangements.