A Mass of Christian Burial for John Long, age 74, of Milford, was held Saturday, February 21, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford. Interment was at Lakeview Gardens Cemetery in Okoboji.
John Joel Long was born on December 18, 1951, in Le Mars, Iowa, to Arthur and Lois “Minnie” Long. He grew up in Hartley, Iowa, alongside his two older brothers, Gary and Tom. John took great pride in watching over his brother Tom, who was four years older, being both a protector and his best buddy.
John graduated from Hartley High School and married Nancy Negus in 1973. They made their home in Hartley, where John was a proud member of the Hartley Fire Department. He knew just about everyone in town, and Hartley always held a special place in his heart.
In 1978, John and Nancy welcomed their one and only daughter, Jennifer Marie—the apple of his eye. The family later moved to Spencer, Iowa, where John enjoyed bowling and working in the gas business. When Jennifer was young and starting school, the family moved to Okoboji, a place John quickly made his own.
In Okoboji, John served on the Okoboji City Council, held a permanent seat at Tweeter’s, and made lifelong friendships. He worked his way to Vice President of Dyno Oil, retiring after many years in the industry.
John lived life fully. He loved boating on the lake, hosting friends and family for deck time filled with laughter, and making annual trips to Brainerd, Minnesota, for drag races—something he enjoyed for over 20 years. He also served on the Board of Directors for Oil Jobbers, turning road trips into another part of the adventure.
He could often be found washing and detailing cars—beer in hand—making sure the rims were shining just right. Known affectionately as “Big John,” he wore a huge smile and had an even bigger heart.
John proudly guided Jennifer into the field of education—because, as dads know best, he was always right. In 2011, John became a grandfather to Porter, who quickly became one of his greatest joys. During retirement, John loved cruising around, “driving and vibin’,” and sharing boy-and-toy adventures with Porter.
John treasured many memorable trips with his best buddy, Gary, visiting Gary’s family—who became like family to all of us—in Florida and Arizona. Those trips were full of laughter, stories, and cherished guy time.
John was a man of strong faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Lois Long; his brothers, Gary and Tom; his parents-in-law, Mary and Darrell Negus; and his brother-in-law, Tom Rieck.
John is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Long of Milford, Iowa; his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Heath Prentice; and his cherished grandson, Porter. He treated Heath as the son he never had. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Kathy Rieck, and many dear friends who were truly family.
John’s legacy lives on in laughter on the deck, joy on the open road, a spotless set of rims, and the countless people lucky enough to call him friend, husband, dad, grandpa—or simply, Big John.
Arrangements are under the care of Turner Jenness Funeral Home.
