Dorothy M. Long

Dorothy Mae “Dot” Long, 88, passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Apostolic Christian Restmor in Morton, IL, surrounded by family.

Born July 12, 1936, in Peoria, IL, to Clarence and Effie Raeuber, Dorothy grew up in Mackinaw and graduated from Mackinaw High School in 1954. She attended one year at ISNU. She married Melvin Long on January 11, 1958, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hopedale, joining the church as a lifelong member. Together they farmed near Minier and raised four children.

Dorothy embraced farm life with determination and grace, finding joy in motherhood, homemaking, and community. She was active in local clubs, including knitting club, “Cousins’ Club” and a lifelong member of Home Extension. She also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, cross-stitch, vegetable and flower gardening, preserving food, baking, and cleaning.

Her faith was central to her life, reflected in daily prayer, church service, and teaching Sunday school in her youth. Dorothy took special efforts to let people know she loved them and was thinking of them. One of her greatest gifts was her ability to befriend and genuinely care about everyone she met.  Greeting cards and phone calls were her way of staying close, and always a hug and kisses when she could be with you. 

Dorothy is survived by her children Lea Ann (Kevin) Seymour, Brad (Linda) Long, Beverly Long (Rod Wells), and Paula (Chris) Ward; grandchildren Aaron (Giuliana), Sarah, Jordan (Samantha), Alex (Laura), Ellen (Bob), Ryan (Jessica), Clint, Morgan, Ben, and Abby; and great-grandchildren Lili, Elena, Matthew, Michael, Joie, Andrew, Weston, and Elodie. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Melvin.

A visitation will be held at 9 a.m., followed by a funeral at 11 a.m., on Friday, June 6 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Delavan, IL. Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery, which is adjacent to the family home and farm.  A luncheon will follow at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (Hopedale) or the Minier Rescue Squad. Arrangements by Haensel-Oswald Funeral Home.

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