Melvin Howard Long, age 95, of Huntley, Illinois, passed away at his home on Saturday, May 14, 2022.
Mel was born July 1, 1926, on a farm in West Glenview, Illinois. He attended the elementary one-room Grove School on Milwaukee Avenue, from 1931-1935 and completed elementary school at Immanuel Lutheran School in Glenview, Illinois. He graduated from the old Northbrook High School (now Glenbrook) in 1943. After high school, Mel served in World War II for the U. S. Navy, Naval Intelligence and Potomac River Naval Command from 1944-1946, and was very proud to sing with the famed Blue Jacket Choir at Great Lakes Naval in Chicago, IL, during training. Melvin then went on to graduate from the Business School of Commerce at Northwestern University in 1950. He then married the late Lois (Tagtmeier)Long at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Glenview, Illinois on September 15, 1950. Mel enjoyed skiing and family vacations (especially camping) throughout the years.
Mel was a long-time business executive with the Prince Interests of Chicago, where he retired as President of its real estate company, CMD Realty and was officer and director of several other Prince affiliates.
A resident of Sun City Huntley since 2004, where he used his gifted voice to sing with the Prairie Singers, Mel was an active member of Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley, IL, where he also sang in the senior choir. As a veteran of World War II, Mel was also a member of the American Legion, Huntley Post, and a long-time volunteer associate with Centegra McHenry Hospital. Over the years, Mel served on the boards of the Union League Boys and Girls Clubs, Executives Club of Chicago, Grateful Hand Foundation, Maine Township Council on Addiction, and several churches in metro Chicago. Mel was also active in the Northwestern University Alumni Association for many years, especially dedicated to commuting students and alumni. He was especially fond of his association as Cub Master for Cub Scout Pack #154 in Mt. Prospect, Illinois, for many years, where he and his wife raised their family. Mel will be remembered as a very social man, an excellent organizer, and someone who especially loved to cook for anyone who had the pleasure of spending time with him.
Beloved husband of the late Lois (Tagtmeier) Long. Father of Diane (Tom) VanAntwerp of Wonder Lake, IL; Daniel Long of Prospect Heights, IL, and the late Richard Long. Fond brother of the late Virginia Long Winkleman (Al) and the late Donald E. Long (Mary) of Glenview, IL. Cherished Grandfather to Tom VanAntwerp, Paul VanAntwerp, Laura (Jeff) Kienzler, Tanya (Nick) Traylor, the late Krystal Long, Daniel (Brittney)Long, Stephanie (Justin) Epling, and Derek Long. Loving great grandfather of Russell Huber, Elizabeth, Matthew and Grace VanAntwerp, Kaila, Brandon and Morgan Kienzler, the late Brandon Traylor, Christian, Gabriel and Virginia Traylor, James and Hannah Epling, Elias and Juliette Long, and several great great grandchildren.
Fond uncle of Donna (Grady) Bragg, Jim (Barb), Dave (Christy) and Jack (Cathy) Winkelman; Linda (Dennis) Bermeister and Cheryl (Marty) Haugen; also, Thomas (Beth) Tagtmeier and the late Steven (Judy) Tagtmeier.
Visitation will be Monday, May 23, 2022, from 10 a.m. to time of Memorial Service 11 a.m. all at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, 10805 Main Street, Huntley.
Inurnment to follow at Ridgewood Cemetery in Des Plaines.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, 10805 Main Street, Huntley, Illinois, 60142.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772. Online condolences may be directed to: www.defiorefuneral.com
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Gonna miss you Mel! RIP and my thoughts to your family!
I regret that I did not know Mel Long personally. I saw him when attending church, saw him sing in the choir of the Prairie Singers and at church, but yet I did not personally know him. In reading his obituary, he sounds like a wonderful man that was certainly blessed with a beautiful family. He was a person that everyone would be blessed to have known and I am sorry that I did not. My sincere condolences to the entire family on his passing.
We will miss you so much you always accepted my kids and they loved you so much. Thank you for being the kindest person I have ever known you will be deeply missed
Condolences and prayers for Mel's family
Dear Mel, So sorry we are without you now. So happy I knew you. I noticed you slowing down these past months. I think the last few years have been especially hard on you for losing Lois as well as dealing with the pandemic. I know you are free of the worries of this world and at peace with God. I look forward to seeing you again on the other side of this life. Rest now my dear friend. You deserve it.
My thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. Mel was a great man.
Cuz Mel, surely going to miss your stories of life on the Long family farm. You were the Long family historian. I’ll miss your warmth and quick wit. My prayers for strength and peace for all your beautiful family.
My deepest sympathies for the loss of beloved Mel Long. I had the pleasure of getting to know him better at a Long family reunion a few years ago. He was so kind and knew his Long family history. He will be missed. Lots of love and prayers.
My condolences to all that will miss you Mel which I’m sure means many. Such a kind, thoughtful, wise man. I will miss the inspiration and hope you always shared. To all that love you, may they know that you are having a new day, everyday in heaven.
Mel, you will be missed by our very large family. There are many who have you in their thoughts even if distance has kept us apart. My prayers go with you.
Rest easy, Mel. You were a kind, welcoming soul with many words of wisdom. You will be missed. My sincere condolences to your family.
I loved cousin Mel. His support for all the families was tremendous. He will be sorely missed.
Rest easy, Mel. You were a kind, welcoming soul with many words of wisdom. You will be missed. My sincere condolences to your family.
My prayers will be with Mel’s family as I had the pleasure of working with him during my many years at Centegra Healtcare System. I will miss his hugs and cheery greetings ❣️
Mel I was blessed with having you as a cousin and a friend. Your love for others ❤️ is beyond compare. Kindest soul I have ever known. You helped my daughter Laura in her mission work. Now you're singing songs of praise in heaven. You will be missed by the family and friends.
Mel, I have been so blessed to know you. You are going to be very missed. Your heart for your family and friends was so big. The way you deeply care was so evident when you spoke. Sending my condolence to your family and friends. Love you Mel
Dear Friend - Mel - We met back in the 1970’s, a truly God - sent friend, right time, right place, etc. You were always there, during the very dark, dark days and also during the very good days. You were my mentor and confidant, a really true friend. You will be missed Our condolences to Diane and the entire family.
So sorry to hear of Mel’s demise. Mel was so kind in the short time when we spent together in the choir at Shepherd of the Hills in McHenry
Dear Diane and family--we are so sorry at your father and grandfather's passing. Mel was always such good company at the VanAntwerp Christmas gatherings. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote that we should honor the empty space that a loved one leaves with his passing precisely because that space is unfillable. So we will will remember Mel and honor the open space he leaves.
Dear Friend - Mel - We met back in the 1970’s, a truly God - sent friend, right time, right place, etc. You were always there, during the very dark, dark days and also during the very good days. You were my mentor and confidant, a really true friend. You will be missed Our condolences to Diane and the entire family.