Ralph Long was born September 13, 1927 in Thief River Falls, the son of William Ward and Melvina Billie (Comstock) Long. He served in the US Navy during WWII, 1944-1946. He attended the University of North Dakota 1946-1948. He married Lucille Minnette in 1946 in Fertile, MN. They divorced in 1953. He married Joyce Mary Schoner in June 1954 in Valparaiso, IN. They divorced in 1999.

His 43 years of work in newspaper management took him over the majority of the central section of the United States, including the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Minneapolis, the Bemidji Pioneer, Bemidji, Wheaton Journal in Wheaton, IL, the Plymouth Pilot in Plymouth, IN, Sikeston Standard, Sikeston, MO, Clinton Herald in Clinton, IA, the Leader Telegram in Oshkosh, WI and Eau Claire, WI and River Forest, IL. Through his work he traveled a great deal to other areas of the country. In other business and recreation, he owned a golf driving range, manufactured television towers, he owned and operated Mississippi River Marina, and he raced stock cars and snowmobiles.

Ralph retired to Minocqua, WI in 1990 and worked at the hospital for 7 years as a non-emergency transport driver and captained an excursion ship in Northern WI. He further retired to Naytahwash, MN and ultimately moved in 1999 to his hometown of Thief River Falls where he happily organized a yearly reunion of the class of 1945. Finally, he moved into Valley Home.

He enjoyed working in many organizations holding various offices and receiving many awards for his services. He had served as divisional chairman of the Girl Scouts Capital Fund Drive in Clinton, IA 1966-67, the advanced gifts committee of the United Fund Drive, 1966, he served on the Board of Directors of Clinton Riverboat Days; he was a member of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, the Northern States, Central States, International Circulation Managers Assn; Daily Press Assn; several snowmobile clubs, the DAV, the Elks and Kiwanis, Jaycees, Gyro Intl., and Lions and the VFW Post 2793 in Thief River Falls. He continued to do volunteer work when he returned to Thief River Falls as an ombudsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, water skiing, boating, car racing, snowmobiling and playing his keyboard for his own enjoyment and for the residents of Valley Home.

He is survived by his second wife, Joyce of Minocqua, WI; one son, Dr. William (Judy) Habedank of Red Wing, MN; one daughter, Diane (Charles) Williams of Palm Desert, CA; one grandson, Brian and one granddaughter, Laura, both of Plymouth, MN; cousins, uncles, and many dear friends.

Preceded in death by his father, Ward Long; his mother, Melvina Billie Comstock Long; and one brother, Harry Long.

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