Charles T Long

CHARLES THOMAS "Chuck" LONG August 24, 1953 - March 25, 2015 Charles Thomas "Chuck" Long, age 61, a life long Park Rapids, MN area resident, peacefully passed from this life to eternal life on Wednesday, March 25, 2014 at the CHI St. Joseph's Hospital in Park Rapids with his loved ones at his side. Chuck was born on August 24, 1953 in Park Rapids, MN to George "Mike" and Margaret (Brewer) Long. He attended public school in Park Rapids, graduating from Park Rapids High School with the Class of 1971. Chuck went on to attend the Detroit Lakes Area Technical College where he studied drafting. Shortly after graduation, he purchased an ABC Seamless Siding franchise which he operated for several years. Chuck started working as a heavy equipment operator with the Dennis-Girtz Excavating Company in Park Rapids in a career that spanned over 24 years. His life was blessed with a daughter, Jessica and two sons, Marcus and Matthew. Chuck had a profound appreciation for the out doors. He loved to hunt the wily whitetail swamp bucks of Northern MN, or moose in Canada, or ducks and geese throughout the region. Chuck was as passionate about fishing as he was hunting. It never mattered if the water was fluid or solid, he always found the fish. His friends and family always looked forward to his famous " fish frys". Chuck put a great deal of effort, time and money into feeding the deer, turkeys and other birds that graced his family's property. He enjoyed motorcycling and took great pride in his Harley-Davidson Motorcycle. He was blessed with a green thumb and looked forward to planting a large vegetable garden each spring which he nurtured into fruitful abundance to share with friends and family. Before his dad died in 2008, Chuck promised to look after the needs of his mother. He honored that promise and lovingly devoted himself to caring for his precious mom who he loved dearly right up to the time of his death. He was very proud of his daughter, Jessica and sons, Marcus and Matt and his six grandchildren, Leah, Noah, Mason, Austin, Kiley and Khloe who he loved with all his heart. Chuck's memory will be cherished by his mother, Margaret who currently resides at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Park Rapids; his daughter, Jessica Long of Fargo, ND; two sons, Marcus Alonzo of Park Rapids and Matthew (Ines) Alonzo in the US Army based in Ft. Polk, LA; his sister, Lynda (Jim) Long of Ramsey, MN and his brother, Michael Long of Oregon; as well as his best friend and rock, Pat Moorhouse of Park Rapids; one uncle, Larry Long of Tacoma, WA and many precious nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, George "Mike" in 2008 and his grand parents. Services are set for 11 AM Saturday, April 4, 2015 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids. Special musical tributes will be: "The Dance", "I'm Going To Miss Her", "When I Get Where I'm Going" and "I Can Only Imagine". The active urn bearers will be: Jessica Long, Marcus Alonzo and Matthew Alonzo. Honorary urnbearers will be: Marvin Girtz, Gene Girtz, Ron Girtz, Jim Dennis and John Dennis. Interment will be made in the Long family plot located in the Greenwood Cemetery in Park Rapids. Visitation will begin Saturday at the funeral home beginning one hour prior to the service. Following the service, a luncheon will be provided for all at George's Barn north of Park Rapids. To view the online video tribute or to leave online condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com.