Shirley Long

Rock Rapids, IA

     Shirley Long age 74, of Rock Rapids, IA died Sunday, February 3, 2019 at Lyon Specialty Care in Rock Rapids, IA.

     Due to Shirley making the generous decision to donate to the USD School of Medicine, a private family service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Sioux Falls Humane Society. 

     Shirley Long was born April 23, 1944 in Worthington, Minnesota, the daughter of Everett and Margaret Faith (Fountain) Groninga.  She grew up in Adrian, MN and graduated from Adrian High School in 1962.  Later in life she continued her education at Northwest Community College in Sheldon, IA, where studied computer programming.  

     Over the years Shirley lived in different towns, but always staying in the same region. She had various jobs, with the majority of them serving other people in different ways.  She moved to Rock Rapids, IA in 1981. 

     One of the most mentioned things when talking to people is how much Shirley LOVED.  She loved beautiful things, whether in people, animals or nature.  It would be no surprise to find her with a sewing machine, glue gun, hammer, knitting needles or crochet hook, colored pencils or a paintbrush at any given time.  She had a green thumb and loved growing things, and then photographing them.  She photographed the lilacs in the spring, roses gardens in the summer, changing leaves in the fall, and frost on the trees in the winter; among other pieces of nature’s beauty. She loved animals, and always had a dog by her side.  She loved giving gifts, she got great pleasure from thinking of the perfect, usually clever, gift for someone and then either hunting it down or creating it herself to give.  There are many people who have a crocheted snowflake on their Christmas tree, mittens in their coat sleeve, or an afghan on their couch that was made by Shirley. She loved spontaneous adventure, it was nothing for her and Denny to pack up the car on a whim and see where the road took them for a few days. But most of all she loved people, and cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren, and hosting family Christmas at her home.

     In November of 2018, Shirley entered Lyon Specialty Care in Rock Rapids, where she remained until her death this past Sunday, February 3, 2019.

     She is survived by her five children, Crystal Lupkes (special friend, Jean) of Brandon, SD, Staci (Jeff) Van Veldhuizen of Alvord, IA, Jayson Groninga of Newkirk, IA, Brett Long of Denver, CO and Margarette Martin of Canistota, SD; ten grandchildren, Tyler (Connor) and Cody (Alyana) Lupkes; Adam (Emily), Alyssa, Shawnae, Jacob, Austin and Shaylyn Van Veldhuizen;  Ashley Groninga and Devin Glascock; six great-grandchildren; brother, Ken (Nelma) Groninga of Detroit Lakes, MN; sister, Betty Hoiland of Rock Rapids, IA; sister Bernice of St. Paul,MN; two brothers-in-law, Larry (Margaret) Long of Rock Rapids, IA and Rickie (Pat) Long of Edna, IA; and many other extended family.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Margaret Groninga; husband, Dennis Long; brother-in-law, John Hoiland.