I love you Grandma. I miss you, but I also take comfort in knowing that I will see you again at the beginning of a much better life where "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Revelation 21:4)Thank you for all your support, advice, and the times I stayed over when I was little(fun times in Elkhart-sure do miss that place!) And most of all your love for me, and your kindness and happy, positive outlook even in the hard times and most of all your beautiful smile that held soo much warmth and love and joy. So, I look forward to when I will see you again, where there is perfect joy and beauty and peace forever safely "Home" in Heaven. I love you Grandma-till we meet again, your granddaughter, Bobbie xoxox

I didn't think it was your time. Honestly, when seeing you in the hospital I thought you just wanted and needed some sleep. How silly is that? 

Like dad said, we always think we have another day.

Oh grandma! How blessed we were, my sister and I, to be able to call you this!! Although we were not of blood to you, you accepted us just the same. Once in a while I can hear your laugh and often times I'll just stop to think about a memory or two just so that I can hear you and smile. One time in particular (there were many) we were having lunch, you, grandpa, Colton and I, at an Italian place (Bravo maybe) anyway, we were talking about various things and music came up. You asked Colton if he was singing lately and if so what. Well, at this time he was in the "screamo" phase. YUCK. You asked what that was and Colton gave an example. LOL I'm smiling/laughing now seeing your face. You kept it together well even as we were all chuckling and although I'm sure you wanted to say something you were STILL supportive and simply said "well, there are all kinds of music and if that is what you want to do I bet you do it well." Something like that. The point is you did not judge and were so compassionate, loving unconditionally, always. Cassidy enjoyed her time w/ you when you were showing her how to quilt and the Dance Recitals you came to meant so much to her, to all of us! The musicals, Football games, etc. We are all so thankful to have been a part of your life! Oh goodness! Ragbrai! How could I forget mentioning that?? You did not have to, but you did! You took me on that ride 2 years and what a wonderful time that was! I can see why you loved it so much. 

Everyone said it so well......you taught us much. 

By the way, "I love you too." ;)

Thinking about dad today on Father's Day and automatically think of Aunt Jean. They are together in Heaven with the rest of the family and most importantly with the Heavenly Father. I will always remember Aunt Jean referring to dad saying: "He ain't heavy, he's my brother"   Kathy

Jean,

I've had computer problems. My computer expert just left after fixing my problem so I can write my entry in your Guest Book today.  I don't know how you did it but thanks for having it kept open long enough for my entry..."You're STILL awesome"!

My mother always told me, "choose your friends wisely".  I've known for some time now what she meant.  When I think of the qualities I look for in a "best friend", naturally I think of you and Fred.  You've both been there no matter what was going on.  Through all the ups and downs, good times and bad, you've both remained ever supportive.

I feel honored and lucky to have known you my entire life.  I know Fred and the kids miss you and look forward to seeing you again.  Jean, if you don't mind waiting...we all still need Fred here awhile longer.  I'm sure you'll enjoy watching over them.  I can see you watching over them with that "Jean" smile.  

You might want to check in on me once in awhile also...you never know where I'll be or what I'm up to.  It makes me feel better knowing that you are nearby, as always!

I know you'll be checking up on all of us, thanks!  Try not to shake your head too much when I mess up.

Rick Nelson

Not a day has passed this year that I haven't thought of you, grandma.  Whether I'm remembering times we had together both with family or each other, or wishing you were here to give me some experienced advice with Hannah. I love you and miss you so very much!  Love always, Sarah

I never told you how I felt about you while you were here, there would always be another day. I regret that so much. I can only hope that you knew. I think of you most every day, the things that you taught me by your actions, your inspiring words and undefeatible attitude. Thank you for accepting me in your heart. Love you Jean. Rick

It's been a year and a day hasn't gone by that I don't think of you. There have been many times I pick up the phone to call you and them remember you will not be there, so I sit and have my own personal chat with you. Your spirit will forever be with me, your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I love you!!! Connie

Jean, you were a true gem in every sense of the word.  A Diamond, to be exact!

For Jean!

I didn´t want to do this for a long time, but I believe if I don´t write this now I will never do it. I didn´t want to finish  because it feels so final, there is no continuity, no rides, no laughter, no Jean anymore, not even the illusion.  

I thought a lot about our relationship, our common ground, like the German roots (Jean was the only one who understood my terrible accent), the fact that we both loved bicycling, enjoyed traveling, were always interested in new experiences, other people and new things to start with and so on.

As everybody knows, opposites also attract each other and that too was as good part of our friendship. She was a real lady, so admirable with her sunny mind, her power, her ambition. Always with a positive attitude towards life, even when she wasn`t feeling good due to her health problems, never complaining. I remember a very hot day on RAGBRAI, when Jean wasn`t feeling good and I tried to tell her we didn`t have to bike that day, she smiled and of course started to bike and we made it. A strong person, intrepid, organized (you have to be, with five kids, a husband (excuse me Fred ;-), a job, a house and garden and so on). She was also creative (think of all the Quilts she made) and a terrific cook. I liked her sense of humour (I think she gave it to Mike). She was smart, quiet and modest, she never put herself first. In all of this she was unlike me.
Above all else came Fred and the family. They had a perfect marriage and Jean got homesick after a while without Fred.

I think of all of this together as what made our friendship and I think it was a special and unusual one. I am sorry and it hurts that you had to suffer so much. May there be peace for you now.

I miss you so Jean !

With all my love
Anneliese

I'm one of the fortunate ones who's known Jean all of my life, both as a child..... and as an adult. There wasn't a time in my life when she wasn't there. 

One of my earliest memories of Jean was back in the early 60's when she was baby sitting for me "in the big city of Ankeny." Ordinarily I didn't feel I needed a babysitter, but when it was Jean..... I didn't seem to mind as much. I was outside playing, when all of a sudden a teenager pulled up in a car, got out.... unlocked the trunk, and two other teenagers popped out of the trunk, then got in the car laughing.... and sped away. 

I immediately ran to Jean, and informed her that I had just witnessed a bank robbery. I'll never forget her expression, as her hands flew to her cheeks, as she exclaimed; "OH MY !!"   :)

Jean has touched my heart, and because of her I'd like to think I'm a better person. I will carry her inside me, and always remember her fondly.

If indeed, there are Angels on earth, then I'm blessed for having met one of the finest, for surely she was one.

March 30, 2011 

Hey Jean, my friend.  I miss ya!  
Your Friend, Shirlee

Jean was a true blue friend to all. Most all to her loving husband Fred. Whom I had the pleasure of hanging out with lastnight. You might like to know the SUSHIMI was great as always. Just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you and and miss you much! The Memorial is coming along just fine and looks awesome. I know you will be there along with alot of friends and family. Love you! Jeff

Jean was an inspiration to all bicycle enthusiasts!  Knowing how much she 
wished she could be riding with us on the Lewis & Clark Tour, it brought 
tears to my eyes to see the name "Jean" written on the bow of a big boat in the harbor as we neared the Pacific Ocean on our route.  I just felt her presence / spirit, as if she was sharing it with us somehow.  I had to stop for a few minutes.  "O' the Joy!" as William Clark had written in his journal more than 200 years ago.  O the joy we have had in our lives because of our friendship with Jean!

Jean,
  Truly those of us who were on the Iowa 150 Ride were blessed to have known you.  Your beautiful smile and sunny disposition made those hard days of biking easier.  You will definately be missed by your friends and loved ones.

I got to know Jean while on the cross-country bike ride in 1995.  I have never met a stronger, more determined person.  She was like the Energizer Bunny, never giving up.  As Phil & I spent more time with Jean and Fred following the ride, we experienced what a wonderful person Jean was on the inside.  The devoted love that she and Fred had for each other was always evident.  They have given us many wonderful memories.  We are honored to be recipients of their friendship and hospitality.  Jean is truly one of God's special angels!  We miss her.

I have never met a stronger, more determined person than Jean.  I got to know Jean & Fred on the cross-country bike ride in 1995.  She was like the Energizer Bunny, never giving up!  As I got to know her better during the years following the ride, I saw what a wonderful person she was on the inside.  What a lovely lady!  You could easily tell how much she and Fred loved each other.  Phil & I were honored to be recipients of their friendship and gracious hospitality.  They have both left us with many wonderful memories.  Jean will forever be one of God's most precious angels.

Jean you will be truly missed!  You are such a lovely person, inside and out! Always your self radiant smile and caring ways to everyone!  You are truly one of the nicest people I have ever met.  My mom (Shirlee) so enjoyed your friendship, and watched all of us kids grow up. It always brings a smile to my face when Mike and I statched out in her room in Vegas. She was one classy lady, whom no one will ever forget!  Shelley ( Shirlees daughter)  Ca.

My Aunt Jean was a very happy, caring, loving, kind, and positive person. She always had a smile on her face and a positive attitude. Even though we didn't get to spend much time together (due to the distance between Iowa & Seattle) it never took us long to reconnect when we did get together. She is a women to be admired for her "never give up" attitude, love for her husband and family, passion to enjoy life to the fullest and never complaining of the health issues she faced. I'm very thankful to God for putting Aunt Jean in my life.

The thing I will always remember most about Jean is that her friendship never waivered for those who she cared about. I wish that quality were more common. I'm sad that she is no longer here with us, but can't help but smile when I think of her. I don't believe it is possible to know a finer person.

You taught me love, strength and courage. You will forever be in my heart.
Love, Connie

I have many wonderful memories of my mom. My favorite memories are the ones we shared together...just the two of us. Our 2 trips to California and,  especially, our trip to Vegas. The day we went with Jessica to find her wedding dress. I couldn't imagine mom not being there on that special day. She is, and will be missed. I am, grateful and thankful that her spirit lives on in all of us.

Jean you are truly missed. You were a wonderful loving wife. A memorial in your honor will be placed in Ankeny, Iowa next to the "High Trestle Bike Trail".

You taught all the family to be "a close family".  I know everyone will honor your teachings.

You were always positive and upbeat.

I NEVER heard you say anything negative about anyone.  You always looked for the good in every event and person.

Yes, you are deeply missed, but your memory will drive those of us still living, to set our goals HIGH and do good for each other. 

We know your spirit is with each of us
and we must carry on because it is what you would want us to do.

Until we meet again, I love you,  Fred

Aunt Jean will be truly missed, she was the lifeline holding the family together, I fear that may be gone with her. I hope not. She had the most contagious smile. All the Hartmans had that smile. Honest smiles. I will miss her . Nora Eichorst (Junction City, Kansas)

What an honor it was to be able to call you my Grandma! Sarah said it perfectly; everything you did for us, from watching us cheer and dance, taking us to New York, and your words of encouragement. I will cherish these memories forever! You touched so many lives and will be missed greatly. Love you and miss you terribly! Jessica

I will miss Aunt Jeannie.So glad that we got to surprise dad for his 80th. We had such a good time listening to stories and memories. It's hard to believe it's been 1 1/2 yrs since dad passed.

I am so blessed that you were my grandmother!  I will cherish our memories!  Each and every Christmas morning at your home, our train ride to New York, you attending my dance recitals and cheerleading games.  I will never forget everything you did for me.  I love you and miss you greatly! ~Sarah

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Norma "Jean" Long

6 juillet 1934 – 12 juin 2010

Ankeny Funeral Home & Crematory

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