Bill Long

William “Bill” Long Jr., 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 9, surrounded by his family at Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames, Iowa, just 22 days shy of his 94th birthday.

Bill was born on October 31, 1932, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to William and Thelma (Ruch) Long. He grew up on the family farm, where he developed a lifelong love for the land. At just five years old, he was already helping milk cows by hand. He rode his horse to the nearby one-room schoolhouse, where he attended through eighth grade, before continuing his education in the Marshalltown schools. He graduated in 1950.

Bill met his future wife, Virginia, through a friend and began watching her play basketball in Ferguson during her high school years. Their courtship blossomed into a lifetime of love and companionship. They were married on July 5, 1953, at Bethany Church in Marshalltown and shared 73 wonderful years together.

Bill and Virginia were blessed with four children: Janet, Michael (Mike), Melinda, and Julie. They began their farming years in the Whitten area in 1955 and returned to the family farm in 1960. They lived there until 2012, when Bill “sort of” retired from farming and moved just down the road, where he could still keep a close eye on things!

Throughout his farming years, Bill raised cattle and hogs and worked the land with nothing but love and respect for every acre. His connection to the farm never faded. He continued to “counsel” his grandsons, Corey and Craig Damman, who took over the farming operation and now lovingly care for the land. They always valued their grandpa’s input and continued a special tradition of sharing combine rides with him during harvest, as recently as last year, when Bill was 92. Farming was more than a livelihood to Bill; it was a way of life and a legacy he was proud to pass on to the next generation.

During their retirement years, Bill and Virginia enjoyed 22 wonderful winters in Arizona, where they traveled in their camper and made many lifelong friends. Bill traded farming for golfing and took every opportunity to hit the links. He also enjoyed restoring antique tractors and participating in several tractor rides across Iowa. Family remained at the heart of everything he did. Bill and Virginia spent countless hours driving to Nebraska and Minnesota to visit family and cheer on their grandchildren at sporting events. And if there wasn’t a grandchild’s sporting event to attend, you could be sure Bill was watching an Iowa State basketball game. He was an AVID Cyclone fan through and through!

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia; his children, Janet (Dean) Damman, Michael (Rita) Long, Melinda Dostal, and Julie Boelter; his brother, Darwin Long; his sister-in-law, Patricia Long; 12 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Bill and Thelma Long; grandson, Dillon Dostal; his son-in-law, Jeff “JB” Boelter; his great-grandson, Chase Michael Jones; and his brothers, Clair and Kenneth Long.

Bill will be remembered for his deep love of family, his devotion to the land, his strong work ethic, and his unwavering pride in the life he built. His wisdom and steady presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through the family he cherished and the farmland he loved.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at New Hope Christian Church, with visitation one hour prior to service. Burial will be at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be directed to New Hope Christian Church or the American Heart Association.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Bill and his family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

~ Lovingly written by family

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