Michael J. Long was born on April 4 ^th , 1940 to Leslie and Anita (Baldwin) Long in Idaho Falls, ID.  He passed away on August 27, 2018 at his home in Chandler, OK.

Mike graduated from High School in Alexandria, NE.  After graduation he moved to the Sandhills, where he worked on ranches.  Including the By the Way Ranch near Valentine, NE where he became lifelong friends with the Bill Bolen family.

On December 29, 1958, Mike married Janice Marlene Foster in Valentine, NE.  He entered the United States Army on September 5, 1963 and was honorably discharged on August 11, 1965.  After the Army, Mike worked at the VA hospital in Oklahoma City and later for the Oklahoma Turnpike until his retirement.  Mike's wife Janice, passed away on March 19, 2004.

Mike was a highly skilled farrier and loved horses and roping.  Later in life he enjoyed dancing and went to a lot of senior dances with his special friend Marci.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife and in-laws, Walter and Clara Foster.  He is survived by his brother-in-law, Otto Frauen of Springview, NE; sisters-in-law, Darlene Ryschon and Martha Foster both of Valentine, NE; a host of nieces and nephews; his special friend, Marci Morrow of Jones, OK.  Also surviving is Mike's "special family", Bob Bolen and family of Sharon Springs, KS; Brenda Bolen (Steve) Morell and her son's, Garrett (Laura) Nokes and sons of McCook, NE and Justen (Ashley) Nokes and daughter of Juniata, NE.

Graveside service for Mike Long age 78 of Chandler, OK and formally of Valentine will be held on Monday, Sept. 10 at 10:00 AM at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine.