John Clayton DeLong

MIDDLETON - John C. “Jack” DeLong, age 86, of Middleton, died peacefully Saturday, April 4, 2015, with his family at his side. He was born on Jan. 23, 1929 in Canton, Ohio, the son of Herman and Anna (Daugherty) DeLong. Jack married Phyllis Bischel on Feb. 1, 1958, in Dousman, Wisconsin. Following high school he started working at the Canton Repository, before becoming the first in his family to attend college. While obtaining his degree in journalism from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Jack worked as a sports reporter for the Milwaukee Journal. During his career, he worked as a writer and editor for both the Milwaukee Journal and Canton Repository. In addition, for nearly a quarter century he worked in public relations for Walsh University (Canton, Ohio), Heidelberg University (Tiffin, Ohio), and St. Norbert College (DePere). He was proud to have been on the inaugural staff at Walsh in the early 1960s and subsequently returned to Walsh, where he finished his career in 1994. Jack and Phyllis retired to Middleton to be close to family. He spent the next 15 years volunteering at Blessed Sacrament School in Madison. Jack had a passion for words and, as a lexophile, readily engaged in repartee and was a master punster. Although self-described as parsimonious, in truth he was extremely generous, always willing to help those who needed a hand. A voracious reader throughout his life, he also loved sports, statistics, and history. In his inimitable way, Jack brightened a room with his ready smile and quick wit. A man of simple pleasures, he most enjoyed time with family, a good book, reading several daily newspapers, and hearty conversation. His passions infected his children. Jack is survived by his children, Catherine DeLong, John R. (Bonnie) DeLong, Paul (Abby) DeLong and Philip (Carolyn) DeLong; and grandchildren, Maggie, Christopher, Stefan, Anna, Helena, and Everett. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis; sister, Leona; and brothers, Herman and Thurman. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARDS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2015, with Monsignor Douglas Dushack presiding. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. Burial will take place at St. Bruno Catholic Cemetery in Dousman. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jack’s name may be made to St. Bernards Catholic Church Foundation. The family wishes to thank the loving caregivers at both Clare Bridge and Agrace HospiceCare. As dad would say, that’s “DeLong” and short of it.