Jeffrey L. Long, 72, of Boulder Junction, WI, died on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 22, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Nimsgern Funeral Home in Woodruff and on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Community Church, followed by a service beginning at 11 a.m. An open house social gathering will take place at the Boulder Junction Community Center from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Mr. Long was born in Milwaukee, WI, on Dec. 18, 1951. He moved to Boulder Junction in 1957 with his family, where he spent the rest of his life serving the community that he cherished.
At age five, Mr. Long began working in his family’s grocery store, Long’s Hillbilly Supermarket. From bagging groceries to helping his dad in the meat market, he was always working in the store with his family. He graduated from Lakeland High School and went on to earn an associate’s degree in business from North Central Technical College in Wausau, WI. After graduating, he returned to Boulder Junction and started a family, managed the family business and ran for public office.
In 1972, at age of 21, he was the youngest town supervisor ever elected. In 1981, Mr. Long was also the youngest town chairman ever elected. He was wise beyond his years, fearless, intelligent and visionary. Idealistic yet pragmatic, he deftly guided his beloved community through good times and bad. Mr. Long helped avert potential disasters related to spearfishing protests by working closely with Lac Du Flambeau leaders and Wisconsin Governor, Tommy Thompson. In 1998, Mr. Long sold his grocery store and embarked on a new career in real estate, always keeping his community at the center of his efforts. After 37 years in local government, he retired in 2011.
Throughout his life, Mr. Long wore many hats, always with the purpose of making Boulder Junction a better place. He was the “glue” that held the town together. He was a proud member of the Boulder Junction Fire Department, a charter member of the Boulder Junction Lion’s Club, a member of the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce and a founding member of the Boulder Junction Community Foundation.
In addition to ensuring the long-term vitality of Boulder Junction, his leadership brought about significant accomplishments, including the Boulder Junction Bike Trail System, a new community building, the Boulder Junction Housing Authority, the Payzer Memorial Field/Airport and the creation of the Boulder Junction Winter Park. He was instrumental in organizing the current Boulder Junction Shooting Range and Club and the rebuilding of Main Street in Boulder Junction. Mr. Long’s strong relationships with not only local government, but also at a state level made him not only an effective leader, but also a great fund raiser on behalf of the town.
In his free time Mr. Long loved reading, listening to music, trap shooting, hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed hanging out at the gun club and chatting with his many friends. He also loved driving the boat for his family and friends and watching them having fun tubing and water-skiing on Trout Lake, his favorite lake.
Gregg Walker, Lakeland Times owner, once said, “If our public servants can say that they’ve helped one person, they might consider their career a success. Well, we know that Jeff Long has helped hundreds, probably thousands and went above and beyond what most would expect of an ordinary person. Jeff Long is not ordinary… he is just plain good.”
Mr. Long faced numerous health challenges in the past year, but he kept a positive attitude and didn’t give up. In his own words, he “went down swinging”. He will be remembered as a brother, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and leader, who gave his all to the community and the people he loved. He loved Boulder Junction with all his heart. His spirit and legacy will forever live on in the beautiful forests and pristine lakes that he adored. He will be remembered for the countless projects he championed and the people whose lives he touched.
Mr. Long was preceded in death by his parents, Loretta and Jack Long; and his brother, David.
He is survived by his former wife of 15 years, Barb Boston of Hillsboro; sisters, Donna Long, Barbara Morgan (and her husband Sam) and Cheryl Lynn Long (and her husband Dean), as well as his sister-in-law, Carol. He is also survived by his children, Andrew (wife Sandra) Long and Jacque (husband Brian) Long-Talaska; and grandchildren, Max Long, Albi Fisiru and Walker Talaska, who brought him endless joy; and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Jeff Long Boulder Junction Legacy Fund,” established by the family with the Boulder Junction Community Foundation. Please visit www.boulderjunctioncf.org to donate.
