John M. Long

John M. Long, 58 of Gaylord, passed away Saturday, March 26, 2016 at his home. Born in Trenton, NJ on May 23, 1957, John was the son of William and Lida (MacDonough) Long who both preceded him in death.

He moved to Gaylord with his family in the early 1970’s where he met the Grenke family; they quickly became more than friends, more like an ‘adopted’ family.  In the late 1980’s, he and his mom moved back to New Jersey, but his heart was always here in Northern Michigan.  During his time there he found time to come back and visit as often as he could.  He looked forward to fishing with his buddy Sue (Grenke) Dratnol.

John finally returned to Gaylord in November 2013.  He enjoyed living here though he missed his family out east and the people he surrounded himself with.  John enjoyed fishing, antiques and cars.

He is survived by his loving sister, Janet (Butch) Samsel; nieces and nephews, Terri Goldberg, Cindy (Fran) Lippincott and Chris (Sue) Samsel; great-nieces and nephews, Jessica, Brant, Hailey, Madelyn, Chloe and Skylar.

John was also preceded in death by James R Grenke, his ‘adopted’ dad.  He is survived  by a large adopted family;  Carolyn Grenke, Joe Grenke, Jimmy Grenke, Sue (Grenke) Dratnol, Scott Grenke, Tim Grenke, Theresa (Grenke) Taskey, Debbie Head, Mike and  Patty Rearick, Dean and Mary Converse and Nick Grenke; many nieces, nephews; great nieces and nephews and even 2 great, great nephews!

John will be sorely missed by all of his family, extended family and many great friends, with special thanks to Bob Proctor for all he did for John!

A memorial gathering will take place Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. at  763 Michigan Ave. Directions: By Otsego Lake, the road right across from the Stampede Saloon on 27 South, it is the second house on the left after the railroad tracks. Anyone who would like to join is encouraged to bring a dish to pass and a beer to celebrate Johns love of good food and beer.

Please share your memories and personal messages with John’s family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com