Raymond Gerhardt Long

He was born on July 20, 1926, in New Berlin, IL, the son of Walter C. and E. Elizabeth (Gerhardt) Long. Raymond was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in New Berlin. He married Evelyn Lorraine Basse on June 4, 1950, at St. John’s Lutheran Church. She preceded him in death on February 3, 1970.

Raymond graduated from New Berlin High School (NBHS) in 1944. He went on to farm for over 80 years. Raymond respected the land and enjoyed the feeding of hogs, sheep and feeder cattle, Holsteins in particular. He was proud of the home swimming pool enjoyed by many for over 60 years. (He could not swim). Raymond was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, holding various positions there as well as being a Sunday School teacher. He officiated Little League games, New Berlin and Loami area baseball, softball, basketball and volleyball. Raymond was a scorekeeper for both volleyball and basketball. He loved officiating games for St. John’s Lutheran School as well as New Berlin Schools. Raymond was a member of the New Berlin Sports Hall of Fame. Most of all, he enjoyed activities with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Raymond was loved by many in the community as was expressed by the well over 100 cards he received for his 100th birthday. Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Matthew 25: 21

Raymond is survived by his three daughters and one son, Cheryl Long and Denise (Mike) Bandelow, both of Loami, Paula (Rev. Keith) Speaks of Franklin, WI, and Darryl (Leza) of Loami; eight grandchildren, Mary (Jeff) Bodine, Ray (Shelly) Bandelow, Jason (Kara) Bandelow, Nicke (Jeremy) Minder, Brandon Long, Aaron (Sarah) Speaks, Jacob Speaks, and Jordan Speaks; 13 great-grandchildren, Autumn, Ashlyn, Madison (Tyler), Morgan, Michael, Matthew, Avery, Lucy, Charlie, Emma, Evelyn, Emerson, and Harper; a great-great-grandson, Phillip Ray, expected in December; seven nieces and nephews and their families, with whom he was very close and to whom he was special; and several cousins.

Along with his wife, Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert and Roland Long; sister, Roberta Marr; niece, Ramona Marr; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Basse.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home - New Berlin, 714 E. Gibson St., New Berlin.

Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 300 E. Gibson St., New Berlin, with Rev. Jacob Moore officiating and Rev. Keith Speaks assisting. Burial will follow at Luken Cemetery, Alexander Franklin Road. Those who wish to view the funeral online can do so at www.stjnb.org

Memorial contributions may be made to: St. John’s Lutheran Church, 300 E. Gibson St., New Berlin, IL 62670 or the Loami New Berlin Youth Ball League (LNBYBL) in care of Brad Attig, PO Box 343, Loami, IL 62661.

Please visit www.butlernewberlin.com to offer your condolences.