Bernice Marion Long

In Loving Memory of Bernice Marion Long

With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Bernice Marion Long, a cherished mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and a beloved member of our community after a long battle of Dementia. Bernice peacefully passed away on January 24, 2024, at her residence in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, at the age of 87. She is survived by her loving children, Daniel (Agnes) Long, Deborah Long & Karen Long. Grandchildren Alicia Long, Jacob (Lia) Long, Gabrielle (John) Loefler, Michael Donath, Amanda (friend Mike) Donath, Matthew (Mara) Donath, Mackensie Donath, Ginger Starr, Nathan (Tina) Starr, Samantha ( Zachary) Mellgran. Great -Grandchildren Dayani Long, Knightly Long, Grace Mellgren, Fancy Starr, Gemma Starr, Freyja Starr, Bernice Mellgren, Wes Mellgren, Benjamin Mellgren, Ember Starr, Summer Starr & Eugene Starr. Her siblings Alice Holzer, Victor (Diane) Monday, Evelyn (Jim) Edgar, Marget (Jim) Rix, Robert Monday, Michael (Linda) Monday, Marion (Jeff) Smith. She is also survived by other family & friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband William, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

Born on March 21, 1936, in the vibrant city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, She was a dance instructor where she met William Long. Bill knew the first time he saw her he was going to marry her. He eventually swept her off her feet as his dance instructor. They were often found on the dance floor, clearing the floor at many weddings.

Bernice was a woman who found joy in the simplest pleasures. Her greatest pleasure was her family. After her children were in school, she was a stocker at Kmart, she brought organization and efficiency to her work, leaving an indelible mark on her colleagues and customers alike. Her commitment to excellence and unwavering work ethic were admired by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She came from a family of 13 and she was in the middle.

Family always held a special place in Bernice's heart. Bernice was always present, family always came first. She dedicated her life to her family from coaching, taxi driver, her children’s number one advocate, teaching numerous children how to water ski driving the boat on Pretty Lake. Bernice's love and devotion will forever be cherished and remembered by her entire family. She was a longtime member of St. Bruno’s Catholic Church, Ladies of the Lake and a lifetime member of Waterbugs Ski Club. Bernice & Bill loved to travel in later years between many family events, with Hawaii being their favorite.

Bernice Marion Long will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her warm smile, gentle spirit, and unwavering determination will forever remain etched in our hearts. As we gather to celebrate her remarkable life, we invite friends and family to join us in bidding her a fond farewell.

Her funeral services will be held at the St. Bruno’s Catholic Church, 226 W. Ottowa Ave., Dousman, Wisconsin. The visitation will take place on January 29, 2024, from 10:30-11:30 with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow. Bernice will be laid to rest at St. Bruno’s Catholic Cemetery following Mass.

In our sorrow, we find strength in the memories we shared with Bernice. May her soul find eternal peace, and may we forever hold her memory close to our hearts.