Bonnie J. Long

Bonnie Jean Long, passed away on April 20, 2024, at her home in Spencer, WI, at the age of 62, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 25, 1961, in Marshfield, WI, to George “Diddy” and Jean Mess.

Bonnie grew up making memories with her two brothers as the middle child, and she never missed an opportunity to crack a joke about them, laugh with them, or at them. She attended Marshfield High School, and graduated in 1979. After graduating, Bonnie worked at Diamond Dave’s briefly, before discovering her passion for caring for people. She dedicated 41 years of her career to Marshfield Living Center, where she served as a CNA, Dementia Unit Coordinator, and finally as an Activity Director. Even after leaving the skilled nursing home setting, Bonnie continued helping others as the Adult Daycare Director for Companion Day Services. She loved her clients and her staff as if they were her own family.

On August 19th, 1989, she married John Dick Jr. Shortly after their marriage, they became parents to their daughter, Ashley, on May 1st 1990. Years later they divorced. Bonnie remarried on September 9th, 1998, to Patrick Long. In December of 2020, Bonnie’s most cherished title was given as “Grandma,” after the birth of her grandson, Ira, and again in August 2022 to her granddaughter, Renna.

Bonnie was a shining light and a ray of sunshine to all who knew her. She was kind, generous, and a natural caregiver, who always prioritized the needs of others before her own. Her beautiful and kind soul touched the lives of many, and there wasn't anything she wouldn't do for her loved ones. Her smile was contagious, and her laugh was one of a kind – you couldn’t help but smile and laugh along with her while in her presence. In her free time, Bonnie enjoyed being with her family, especially her grandchildren playing with toy trains and cars, traveling to new places, spending time at her friend Teresa’s cabin on the lake, visiting wineries, savoring margaritas, and planting flowers. She also had a love for shopping and spending time with her girlfriends over a good Bloody Mary.

Bonnie was a devoted wife to Patrick Long, a loving mother to Ashley (Conrad) Bragee, a doting grandmother to Ira and Renna, a caring aunt, niece, cousin and friend. She is also survived by her mother, Jean Mess; brothers Randy (Rodi) Mess and Glenn (Bobby Nollenberg) Mess; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, George “Diddy” Mess; maternal grandparents, Al & Lillian Johnsrud; paternal grandparents, George Sr. & Gladyce Mess; uncle, Teddy Woodkey; nephew, Derek Mess; niece and godchild, Rodi Erickson.

A memorial service and celebration of Bonnie's life will be held at Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home in Marshfield, WI, on May 4th, 2024. Visitation will take place from 9:00am, up until the time of the service at 11:00am, with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, monetary contributions to support her grandchildren's future education endeavors would be preferred. Bonnie's legacy of love, kindness, and selflessness will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate to have known her.

Those who knew Bonnie well, knew she was always wearing bright colors (rarely black) or something with a pattern, with her matching shade of lipstick, and her hair “just perfect.” Please honor her memory by wearing anything but black; and (if you wear it), your favorite shade of lipstick!  

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