Jack Ray Long

Jack R. Long, 74, of Humboldt, passed away February 8, 2015 at his home. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 15, 2015 at the Faith United Methodist Church in Humboldt with the Rev. Christy Ehrle officiating. Visitation is from 1-2 p.m. Sunday at the church. The Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home of Humboldt is in charge of arrangements.
Jackie “Jack” Ray Long, the son of Floyd and Esther (Plahn) Long, was born July 8, 1940 in the family’s home at Burnside, Iowa. He lived for a time with his maternal grandmother before going to live with his foster parents, Delma and Austin Gilchrist near Dolliver Park. He received his education at Burnside and attended Burnell’s School of Cosmetology. He enlisted into the United States Army and received his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood and was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. Following his honorable discharge, Jack returned to Fort Dodge where he established Jacks Beauty Fashions. On July 24, 1965, he was united in marriage to his soul mate, Sheila Horton, at Riverside United Methodist Church. The couple made their home in Fort Dodge where they owned and operated the beauty shop, Dairy Sweet, a Laundromat, and owned and managed apartment buildings. His entrepreneurial spirit also led to his establishment of a drainage and bridge contracting business along with an auctioneering service. An inventor, Jack also developed and patented, Long’s Powermatic Lawn Applicator, which he later sold.
Following an attempted retirement in West Virginia, Jack returned in 1986, making his home in Gilmore City. He worked for the appliance department of Sears before taking a job with the Gilmore City-Bradgate School district. He also served as a truck driver for Heller’s in Webster City and finished his working life with Hy-Vee in Fort Dodge. In 2004, he and Sheila Moved to Humboldt and in 2009, Mrs. Long passed away.
Jack enjoyed fishing and playing cards, especially canasta, 500, and cribbage. A highlight for he and Sheila were the many bus trips they took all over the U.S. and Canada including, Nashville, Graceland, New York, Washington DC, Niagara Falls, and Washington State. Above all, Jack loved his wife and his family.
Jack is survived by his children, Jonathan Long of Humboldt, Christine (Britt) Lennon of Fort Dodge, David (Billie) Long of Mooreland, Daniel Long of Gilmore City, James Long of Clare, and Michael Long of Pocahontas; grandchildren, Joshua, Samantha, and Benjamin Lennon, Cody (Joanna) Dooley, Skye, Bryce, and Braxton Long, Dalton Deppe, Trevor and Gage Long, Devon Dean, Jordan and Katelyn Long; brother, Gary Long of Estherville; half brother, Dean Nelson of Georgia; and step sister, Karen (Jerry) Vacura of Jackson, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sheila; sons, Thomas and Charles; foster parents; and brothers, Donald, Russell, and Earl.