Johnny Jay Long passed away at Heritage Estates in Gering, Nebraska on December 6th, 2020 at the age of 72.
He was born on May 27th, 1948 in Arnold, Nebraska to Vernon & Edna Long. He was the oldest of 4 children, 2 sisters and a brother. He was raised north of Arnold, Nebraska graduated from Arnold High School in 1967. There were many stories of his high school years and his lack of attendance, seems that his parents were called into the principal’s office on many occasions. I recall one story of him climbing out the window of the principal’s office, even back then he had a love for the outdoors and adventure.
John married Cynthia Ahrens in March of 1967 and had 3 daughters. While the girls were growing up John worked several jobs in too many towns to mention. Most of those jobs were ranching which he had a true love for. He spent many weekends helping his Dad with anything that had to do with horses or cattle. When he was not helping his Dad, those weekends were spent with family and friends either coon hunting or seeing who could ride that barrel the longest, and without getting hurt.
On June 29th, 1989 John married Marlene Hansel and resided in Oshkosh, Nebraska. Starting in about 2005 they spent most of their time traveling around in their 5th wheel and working whenever and wherever the opportunity arose, that is when they were not fishing or just hanging out with all the other campers at the campgrounds. During that time, he ran heavy equipment and helped his son-in-law build many a fence line. They finally settled down in Stapleton, Nebraska where he went to work for Rich Burnside running heavy equipment, farming and driving a truck.
John enjoyed football, especially the New England Patriots, dancing, hunting, fishing and just sitting around telling stories.
John is survived by his 3 daughters, Lea (Ernie) Hottell of Kimball, Nebraska, Cristi Koeppen of Sidney, Nebraska, and Jessica (Sean) Fulton of Sidney, Nebraska; a sister Peggy (Denny) Beatty of Garland, Nebraska, brother Jim (Pam) Long of Arnold, Nebraska and sister Norna (Frank) Scott of Gandy, Nebraka; 8 granddaughters, 2 grandsons, 7 great grandkids and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded by his wife Marlene, 1 grandson, his parents and his grandparents.
Memorial Service will be held on December 26th2020 at 11:00 at the Gandy Community Church in Gandy, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to Donor’s choice. Inurnment will be at a later date. Govier Brothers Mortuary in Arnold, Nebraska is entrusted with the arrangements.
We will miss those bright eyes, that wonderful smile and his love for life and enjoying it to the fullest.