Dennis "Denny" Long

Rock Rapids, IA        Dennis “Denny” Long, age 73 of Rock Rapids, IA died Saturday November 26, 2016 at his residence in Rock Rapids, IA.            Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 30th at Christian Church Disciples in Rock Rapids with Rev. Carolyn Salberg, officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery at Rock Rapids, IA.        Visitation will be will be Tuesday, November 29th from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids, IA.        Dennis Dale Long was born September 4, 1943, at his parent’s home in Rock Rapids, the son of Shannon and Lois (Jones) Long. Denny grew up in the Lakewood corner area where he attended country school. In 1961, he graduated from Rock Rapids High School. Denny’s first job was working at Lems Auto Salvage in Doon. He later worked at the Ford garage, Minnigasco, K-Products, Ace Hardware and Beyenhof Mobile Estates. He was married to Linda Oehlerts at Luverne in 1967. He was later united in marriage to Shirley Groninga on July 14, 1990 at Rock Rapids. He made his home in Rock Rapids over the years and was active in the community. He was a member of the Rock Rapids Fire Department during the 1970’s, Accelerators Club, the Snow Lyons snowmobile club and the Alvord gun club. He enjoyed racing cars, woodworking, smoking meat and watching westerns.           He is survived by his wife, Shirley of Rock Rapids, IA; his children, Staci (Jeff) Van Veldhuizen of Alvord; Brett Long of Wheat Ridge, CO; step children, Crystal Lupkes of Brandon, SD; Jason Michael Groninga of Sheldon, IA; Margarette Martin of San Diego, CA; six grandchildren, Adam Van Veldhuizen; Alyssa Van Veldhuizen; Shawnae Van Veldhuizen; Austin Van Veldhuizen; Jacob Van Veldhuizen and Shaylyn Van Veldhuizen; one great granddaughter, Kjerstyn Van Veldhuizen; four step grandchildren, Tyler Lupkes; Cody Lupkes; Devin Glascock and Ashely Groninga; three step great grandchildren, Lena, Riley and James Glascock; along with his brothers, Larry (Margaret) Long of Rock Rapids, IA and Rickie (Pat) Long of Edna, IA.           Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Shannon and Lois and niece, Becky Long.