Eugene “Gene” Allen Long, 86 of Helena, MT passed away on September 25, 2024, one day before his birthday at Monument Health in Rapid City, SD.
Gene was born September 26, 1937, in Big Beaver, Saskatchewan, Canada to Bruce and Dorthea “Dora” Long. Later, his family made their home in Montana. He served in the US Navy from 1955 to 1958. Gene married Carla Burson in May 1960 in Altadena, CA, where Gene was a contract machinist for various companies in the aerospace industry. As life would have it, they made the decision to move to Montana, eventually settling in Helena, MT. Having four children kept his life full and busy with memorable summers spent out at Kim’s Marina. Around 1983, our dad was asked by a dear friend to attend a Cursillo at the Helena Cathedral, where he found his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Gene and Carla later ended their marriage, leaving him single. Sometime later there was a spark of love that hit dad again, marrying Cherry Hoadley Cowan of Helena, MT. They enjoyed each other and their life was rich and full. Gene enjoyed buying and selling properties, antiques, going out of town for drives to enjoy a meal, especially those out of the wat places. He loved his pie! He found enjoyment working on woodworking projects. Balancing family, work and making memorable experiences with friends, family and his career in sales and as a real estate broker. Gene and Cherry later divorced but remained cherished friends throughout their lives, still enjoying going out for a meal and visiting on the phone.
Gene is preceded in death by his parents Bruce and Dora Long; Carla Long; brothers Wesley, Howard Bernard, Leonard “Jug” Long; a sister Helen Mueller; and his grandson George Manor.
He is survived by his four children, Joy (Tom) Dupler of Helena, MT, Becky Long of Albany, OR, Joseph “Joe” (Tami) Long of Boise, ID and Todd (Barbara) Long of Spanaway, WA; six grandchildren Gina Dupler (Jason) Niemeyer, Joshua “Josh” (Chelsi) Dupler, Ian (Nikki) Manor, Jonas Marjamaa, Rebekka “Bekka” Marjamaa, and Erin Long (Brad) Cobban; his eight great grandchildren, Jayden Marie, Nathan, Lucas Dupler, Brendan Manor, Fin, Link Marjamaa, Wyatt, and Kenzie Cobban; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins who loved him more than words can express.
Visitation will take place at 11am on Friday, October 18, 2024 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home starting at 12pm with a reception to follow. Burial will take place after the reception at the Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery in Fort Harrison. Memorials can be sent to Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Condolences can also be shared at www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Our family wishes to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the doctors and staff at Monument Health Rapid City for their care and being with our father at the end of his life.
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m.
Friday October 18, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m.
Friday October 18, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday October 18, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Friday October 18, 2024
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m.
Friday October 18, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m.
Friday October 18, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday October 18, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Friday October 18, 2024
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Francy & Dale Miller says
joy, Joe, Becky & Todd – My love to all of you and hugs. My heart goes out to all of you and your families. The brothers are together and I’m sure they are all around the table playing cards well with mom and grandma too – lol. We won’t be coming for the funeral but are tentatively planning a trip to Montana next summer and will see about being able to get some of the cousins together. Everyone is spread so far and wide that its hard to get it together it seems. I loved your dad as well as all of the uncles. God bless you all.
Uncle Mitch & Auntie Peggy says
Erin & Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Your grandpa was such an outgoing & kind person. He was always there for you & your family and made a point to be present in your lives! A true GrandDad! We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. If there’s anything we can do to help, please let us know. Our Deepest Condolences! We Love You ~ Uncle Mitch & Auntie Peggy
Tiffany Sturdevant says
Gene was like a grandpa to me, I have such great memories of him playing cards with my dad and mom and on the occasion they were short a player, Gene was happy to let me be on his team. He was also such a great sport being at the brunt of many pranks! I am a better person because he was in my life.
Ian m says
I love you grandpa, rest easy.
Ian
Victoria says
Gene-you always told me that I made you feel young again and we had the best times together right up until the end. I’m so glad I was there for you forever and always Victoria.