Francis Cemore Long

Grandpa, If heaven has John Deere tractors and birds to feed, we'll know exactly where to find you. Thank you for showing me what it meant to be a man of family, faith, and consistency. In your own way, you always took care of things. You took care of yourself and inspired me to pursue health and fitness. You took care of your neighbors by delivering meals on wheels and feeding so many through the food pantry. You took care of your family by showing up in support of ball games, hosting countless get togethers, and supporting anything we needed. When I brought my football teammates home for spring break (two massive defensive linemen), you squeezed all 800 pounds of us into the back of your Prius without missing a beat. One of my greatest memories was having you make the trip to my Hall of Fame ceremony—your presence was worth more than any award. ...because it reminded me: No achievement is too great to celebrate without those who built the foundation. You were that foundation. You were a staple at the food pantry, A builder of many homes for needing families, A conductor of wagon rides, A feeder of birds (but never squirrels), A farmer that did it the right way, A selfless volunteer, A softspoken voice that always answered a call, A righteous man of faith, A Badger fan through and through. So here’s to you, Grandpa. The man who taught me how to serve others quietly but how to love loudly. You left the world better than you found it. Which, in the end, is how to win the game of life. Congratulations on living life the right way. I'll miss our calls and visits but won't forget them. Thank you for everything. I look forward to seeing you again. With eternal love and infinite gratitude, Your grandson “Well done, good and faithful servant…” (Matthew 25:21)

Never met the gentleman but know well that dry and witty sense of humor, those gentle interactions, that intellectual honesty, as I know Al Long. —Nancy Webb, Madison

We never know the reach of what we do and who we touch in this life, but Mr. Long's decency and goodness will clearly live on. Condolences to his son Al, my long-distance friend, and condolences to all of the family.

Francis was a truly good person. He was friendly, hardworking & giving. I went to Bass Lake School with Francis, and one year of high school. Unfortunately, our lives took us in different directions & I saw far too little of Francis in the last 75 years.

Losing a special cousin who just happened to be a long time neighbor is hard to do. We will miss your sweet smile and subtle ways. Soar with the angels dear 'Babe'.