Date of death: 2/7/2012
Saint Meinrad Class: T 1991
Galen Joseph Long was born April 23, 1944 to Andrew Isadore and Regina Marie Otter Long at Norton, Kansas.Galen moved with his family to Beloit, Kansas on October 6, 1945 and graduated from St. John’s High School in 1962. He graduated from Kansas State University and then taught school at the Round Top School southwest of Beloit until its closure. He then served his country in the United States Navy for seven years, and then upon his honorable discharge taught at Beloit Elementary School from 1976 until 1985 before teaching at St. John’s for about three years. He loved teaching and saved as much money as he could in order to be able to attend seminary.Galen attended Conception Seminary and Saint Meinrad Seminary and his dream of becoming a Priest was fulfilled with his ordination in 1991 and became known as Father Long.Father Galen faithfully served the Salina Diocese, spreading the love of Christ to all he came in contact with. He was currently serving at Sacred Heart Parish in Plainville and St. Thomas Parish in Stockton. His previous assignments included serving as Associate Pastor at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina; St. Mary’s in Ellis. Sacred Heart in Colby, Sacred Heart in Salina, St. Boniface in Tipton and Sts. Peter & Paul in Cawker City, Sacred Heart at Atwood with Assumption of Mary Parish in Herndon and St. John’s Parish in Beardsley.Father Long loved people of all ages and was always there to help them. He loved working with children. His passions in the ministry were many; building up the CYO in every parish he served was at the forefront. He seldom took a day off and was very devoted to his family.Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his family Donald Long and wife Beatrice of Arvada, CO, Charles Long and wife Mary of Beloit, Bob Long and wife Mary of Bella Vista, AR, Father Melvin Long of Palm Springs, CA, Carl Long and wife Joan of Benton, AR, Joyce Highland and husband John of Beloit; a host of many nieces, nephews and countless friends.Father Galen was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Jerome Jerry” Long.The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 11, 2012 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Saint John’s Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials may be given to the Sacred Heart Grade School in Plainville, Kansas. Father Long will lie in state from 9:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. Friday at the McDonald Funeral Home. The Parish Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7:00 P.M. Friday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.From McDonald-Roberts Funeral Service.”