George E. Long, Jr. age 78 of Clinton, passed away Monday, July 1, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on Sunday, July 7, 2024 at the Pape Funeral Home. A memorial service will take place at 4:00 PM. At the request of the family, please dress casual and feel free to wear your Iowa Hawkeyes, Dallas Cowboys, or Laborers Local #309 attire. Burial will be at a later date in St. Irenaeus Calvary Cemetery.
George was born in Clinton on December 30, 1945, the son of George and Margaret (Welsh) Long, Sr. He graduated from Boys Town in Omaha and attended North Dakota State University where he played football. George was united in married to Judy Hilgendorf. George was employed at Laborer’s Local #309, Rock Island, IL. He loved attending his granddaughters school and sporting activities. He loved politics and was very active in the Democratic Party, driving for the Vilsak campaign and helping people with getting registered to vote and transporting them to vote. George was very loyal to Local #309 volunteering whenever needed. He was active in AA, being a sponsor and having been sober for 27 years. George was involved with Habitat for Humanity, was an avid photographer, and loved vacationing in Florida. As a sports fan he followed the Dallas Cowboys, Iowa Hawkeyes and the Cubs.
George is survived by his wife Judy; a daughter, Shannon (Jason) Anderson of Bettendorf; 3 granddaughters, Madeline, Olivia, and Kaira; 2 sisters, Patrice Long of Florida, and Mary Staszewski of Clinton, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials in George’s name may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.
George was a great mentor and teacher to my brother and I growing up across the street from his house. He and Judy took us to many softball games and would let us watch sporting events at his house including Iowa Hawkeye games and the Boston Celtics. We learned a lot about sports from him. He always made sure we were safe and staying out of trouble. My prayers are with his family and friends. He was a wonderful person, and I want to Thank him for all that he did for us as young kids.
I met George when he was working construction at Chemplex, we did not see each other often but when we did we always had great conversations. Sorry to hear about his passing and prayers to his family.
My dear sweet Judy,
Roger and I were so sorry to hear of George’s passing. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and Shannon, Jason and the girls.
Sending hugs,