Kenneth Long

Kenneth C. Long of Aurora, formerly of Franklin, NE was born June 3, 1918 to Lewis and Ola Patton Long in McDonald County, MO. He passed away from this life on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at Hamilton Manor, in Aurora, Nebraska at the of 91.

He married Wilma Detlefsen on February 21, 1946 in Phillipsburg, KS. She preceded him in death on February 3, 2008. He was baptized on October 3, 1946 in the Lutheran Church in Macon. Kenny grew up at Bethpage, Missouri and attended school there. He attended school in Stella in the 10th grade. On December 7, 1935, his family moved to Franklin, NE and he attended Franklin High School and graduated in 1937. Kenny farmed south of Franklin form 1937 to 1941. He enlisted in the Navy in April 1942 during World War II. Kenny was a Gunners Mate 2nd Class. He was a gun captain of an 8" gun in the heavy cruiser USS Louisville.

After the war he bought a tavern in Alma with his brother-in-law Roy Johnson. They ran the tavern from 1946 to 1952 when he was called back to the service in April of 1952 during the Korean War. In the Korean War he was stationed in the USS Miller Destroyer/Tin Can. He was involved in the Korean War for 13 months. In 1953 Kenny went into the service station business with his brother Buck. He remained in that business in downtown Franklin for 33 years. He quit the station business in 1986. Kenny then worked as a caretaker for the Franklin Cemetery for 8 years until 1994 and then the next 7 years as a caretaker for the City Parks in Franklin. He took great pride in both of these jobs. Kenny was a member of VFW Post #5757. Kenny was involved with his family.

Holiday time was especially important with his grandchildren. Kenny always raised a large garden and enjoyed sharing his produce. He liked to play cards, and joke with people around him. He always had a special place in his heart for animals. He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends and family. In his later years, he really liked taking a ride over south of Franklin, in the hills. He has a lot of fond memories of his childhood. He always thought that his time in the service was very important to himself and his country.

He is survived by his sons David Long and wife Patty, Aurora; and K.C. Long and wife Pat, Lincoln; Grandchildren: Stacey Petersen and husband Ryan, Omaha, Shannon Hoegh and husband Benji, Aurora, and Tyler Long of Omaha; J. C. Long and wife Jamie, Yutan, Chace and wife Kelli Long, of Lincoln, Shad and wife Windy Ingram, of Franklin, and Kari and husband Mike Yelken of Macon. Great-grandchildren Mackenna, Alivia, and Asher Petersen, Jayden and Jancye Long, Ella and Avery Hoegh, Reagan Long, Brittney, Skyler, and Colby Ingram, and Madison and Abigail Yelken; brothers: Keith Long and wife Betty, Franklin; Bill Long and wife Jean, Ord; and Bob Long and wife Karen, Council Bluffs.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sister- Lola and brother Buck.

Memorial services will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, January 16, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church, Macon, Nebraska. There will be no visitation. The body was cremated. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Kenneth Long Memorial Fund.