He was born on April 26, 1941, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to the late Johan (Jack) and Muriel Long, who worked as owners of Long’s Sporting goods. John graduated from Eau Claire Memorial High School. He then received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. He was married to Virginia Eileen Long on September 3rd, 1966. John worked in the rubber industry for 61 years, first at BF Goodrich in Akron Ohio before retiring and going to work for Lion Copolymer/DSM Copolymer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In 1995, John formed his own company JM Rubber Consultants, LLC. He was Chair, Counselor and member of the Rubber Division of the ACS in Akron Ohio, Philadelphia Rubber Group, as well as being named a Fellow of the American Chemical Society. He served many roles at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, North Canton including Head Deacon and Former President of the Congregation. John had a passion for fishing, golfing, and deer hunting and was known for his love of the outdoors. He loved watching spectator sports including NASCAR, Hockey, Football, and Baseball and always maintained his love for James Bond films.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Martha Gaustad. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 60 years, Virginia E. Long; his 3 children, Joanne S. Long, Michael J. Long (Julissa), Mark S. Long (Kelly); his 2 sisters, Ruth Bodenschatz and Janet L. Drevlow; along with 8 beloved grandchildren, Jasmine, Kirsten, Ana, Andrew, David, Catherine, Xavier and Gunnar; and one treasured great-granddaughter, Kaliyah.
Visitation will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 349 Lindy Ln Ave NW, North Canton, on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1:00 pm Friday at the church. Interment will be in North Canton Cemetery.· In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Zion.
