Jimmie Dale Long

Jimmie Dale Long Jimmie Dale Long, age 85, a life long Park Rapids, MN area resident, slipped into eternal rest on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at the Heritage Cottages in Park Rapids. Jimmie was born on Feb. 9, 1932 to Floyd and Lena (Short) Long in Arago Township, Hubbard County, MN.  He attended Arago Public School until leaving to seek work.  At age 18 he joined the Navy, with basic training at Great Lakes Naval Training Station, then served in Guam on the General M.M. Patrick carrier ship as a mechanic.   After serving his country, he returned home, where he met and married his lifelong sweetheart, Arlene Mae Tobias, (who he affectionately called “Kitty”) on May 2, 1956 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Park Rapids.  They were blessed with 4 children:  Linda, Terry, Kevin, and Steven.   In 1958, they made their home on Jim’s family farm, where they started the El Rancho Club, which they owned and operated until 1984.  Jim also worked as a carpenter with his brother in law, Norman Tobias.  His love for heavy equipment operation lead to another business, Long Construction, as he began snowplowing, blading roads and excavating.  He also continued to farm the land for hay for his horses, which he enjoyed whether riding or just spending time with them.  Jim was an active bowler, was a member of a curling team, loved deer hunting and absolutely loved any outside activities spent with family and friends.  He was a charter member of the Forest Riders Snowmobile club, and in winter would be found maintaining trail equipment, grooming trails or riding Ski-Doos.   Summer weekends were spent teaching family, friends and most of the neighborhood kids to waterski at picnics on Cedar Lake.  He was a member of the Otto Hendrickson American Legion in Park Rapids, and the Park Rapids Eagles club.  Jim will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Linda (Brad Hanson) Long of Rochert, MN; 3 sons:  Terry (Tara) Long of Park Rapids, Kevin (Amy) Long of Eden Prairie, MN and Steven (Eilene Johnson) Long of Moorhead, MN; 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife “Kitty”, 1 sister, Margaret Gartner, and 2 brothers, Harold (Buster) & Leonard. Funeral mass of Christian burial will be held 11 AM Thursday, March 9, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Two Inlets with Father Thomas Friedl officiating.  Mary Schmitz will be the organist. Active and honorary Casket bearers will be Jimmie’s grandchildren.  Military honors will be conducted by the Star of the North Marine Corps League.  Interment will be made in the St. Marys Catholic Church Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5 to 8 PM Wednesday at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home  and will continue on Thursday beginning one hour prior to the service at the church.  A luncheon hosted by the church will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.  To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com