Long, Kenneth James

Kenneth James Long, 87, of Marion, passed away Nov. 1, 2011, at Manor Care in Cedar Rapids. A Celebration of Life service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, Cedar Rapids, with the Rev. Rose Blank officiating. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Saturday at the chapel.

Kenneth was born in Tipton, Iowa, to James and Elsie Long on July 31, 1924. Kenneth married Helen Englet on Oct. 25, 1948, in Springville. He and Helen retired to Theodosia, Mo., in 1984, until their return to Marion in March 2011.

Kenneth retired from Square D in 1983, was a lifelong member of VFW Post 5366 in Isabella, Mo., and American Legion Post 298 in Marion.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elsie Long; daughter, Phillis; and brothers, Wayne and LaVerne Long.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Helen of Marion; children, Phil (Connie) Long of Robins and Jerry (Brenda) Long, Chris (Linda) Long and Anita (Ron) Kurth, all of Marion; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Eleanor Murphy of Mount Vernon, Barbara Moyer of Central City, Ethel Mesecher of Cherry Valley, Calif., Mildred Schluter of Tipton, Claribel Rider of DeWitt, and Mary Hardisty of Fort Wayne, Ind.; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Compassus, 610 32nd Ave., SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.

Online condolences may be left by visiting     under obituaries.

Published Nov. 3, 2011, in The Gazette