Dorothy Evelyn Long

DOROTHY EVELYN LONG January 26, 1934 - September 30, 2014 Dorothy Evelyn Long, age, 80, of Park Rapids, MN peacefully entered eternity at her home with her loved ones at her side on Tuesday, September 30, 2014. Dorothy was born on January 26, 1934 in Fargo, ND to Robert and Martha (Gartner) Herlitz. She attended country school near her childhood home at Two Inlets, MN and then went on to attend high school in Park Rapids where she was a member of the Class of 1952. On March 6, 1952, Dorothy was united in marriage to a young soldier, Duane A. Long, at the Fort Leonard Wood, MO Army Base. This union was blessed with seven children: Judy, Gary, Debra, Randy, Ronny, Brian and Melinda. The young family made their first home in Minneapolis in 1953. Dorothy was a devoted wife and mother who loved to care for her husband and children. She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered by her children for the freshly baked cinnamon rolls that would be waiting for them when they returned from school or her famous sauerkraut and dumplings. She was an industrious homemaker and would often work late into the night sewing clothes, coats or jackets for her children. Dorothy was so handy as a seamstress that she would sew her own curtains and even re-upholster her household furniture. As their family grew, they purchased a larger home in Circle Pines, MN and then later moved to Arden Hills, MN. Amazingly, even with all her family involvements, Dorothy felt called to pursue a career in nursing and at the age of 45, she fulfilled her lifelong dream of acquiring her LPN and RN degrees. She worked at Trevilla and Presbyterian Nursing Homes in Arden Hills until her retirement in 1997 when she and Duane returned to the Park Rapids area. With all of Dorothy's compassion and energy she quickly became a volunteer with the St. Joseph's Hospice program and worked hard in her efforts as the regional director of the Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL). At St. Peters Catholic Church, Dorothy taught Catechism, participated in Bible study, quilting and was an events and kitchen volunteer. She and Duane loved to travel and had traveled extensively throughout the Western United States, Hawaii, and Mexico. One of her life's highlights was traveling to the Holy Lands and walking where Jesus walked. Dorothy very much enjoyed her grandchildren, crafting, sewing, quilting, gardening, nature photography and venturing through the woods near her home. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband for the past 62 years, Duane; six children: Judy (Bill) Eagan, Gary Long, Debra (Scott) Anderson; Ronny Long, Brian (Lori) Long and Melinda (Scot) Peloquin; nine beloved grandchildren and two precious great grandchildren; two sisters: Iona Herlitz and Gloria (John) Berg; and brother, Walter (Terri) Herlitz; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Randy and her brother, Wayne. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, October 4, 2014 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids with Father Thomas Friedl officiating. The Alleluia Choir will lead the music. The casket bearers will be Dorothy's six children. Interment will be made in the Long family plot located in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery of Two Inlets. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Friday at the St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids and will resume at noon on Saturday. Following the service a luncheon reception will be hosted by the church. To view the video tribute or to leave on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com. Memorials may be directed to the St. Joseph's Hospice or the Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL).