Robert Richard “Bob” Long, 78, of Blooming Prairie, died Thursday Oct. 6, 2011, doing what he loved — helping farmers. He was born July 15, 1933, in Newry Township, Freeborn County, Minnesota to Harold and Lila (Bailey) Long. He graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1952. In 1953, he married Norma Vrieze. He farmed until his retirement in 1998 when they moved to Blooming Prairie. He enjoyed farming, fishing and camping, spending time with his family, traveling, tractors and playing cards. He was in card club for the past forty years. Bob was a member of Geneva Community Lutheran Church for his entire life. He was past president of the Blooming Prairie Shipping Association, served on the board of the Stacyville Co-op Creamery, and was involved in the Blooming Prairie Drifters Snowmobile Club. He always had a smile on his face and would do anything for anyone. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Norma, of Blooming Prairie; children, Debbie (Bob) Farr of Blooming Prairie, Cindy (Bob) Tyson, of Brainerd, Minnesota, Rick (Mary) Long of Rochester, Minnesota, Lisa (Rick) Hocking of Blooming Prairie; 9 grandchildren, Nicole, Brian, Michael, Amy, Arron, Brantley, David, Rachel, Jeremy; three step-grandchildren, Melissa, Emily, Amanda; 15 great grandchildren; 1 step great grandchild; sister, Patricia “Pat” (Richard “Red”) Swenson of Faribault, Minnesota; sister-in-law Audrey Slowinski of Blooming Prairie; aunts, Gladys Burr of Ellendale, Minnesota and Mary (Dick) Frundle of Montour, Iowa; uncle, Sam Worrell of Ellendale; nieces, nephews, cousins, and ‘adopted’ son Jerry Cartin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Lila, and two granddaughters.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 10, 2011, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie with Reverend Carrie McElfresh officiating. Visitation will be held at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Interment will be at the Geneva Cemetery. The family prefers that memorials be made to Community Lutheran Church in Geneva. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.worlein.com

Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.