Mark Long

Mark Long, of Pipestone, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 28, 2026, following a work-related accident.

Mark was born in Parkston, South Dakota, to Oren and Dorothy Long and was one of fourteen siblings. Growing up as part of such a large family shaped the man he would become—someone who valued family deeply and never took time with the people he loved for granted.

Mark was a simple man who found joy in simple things. He loved being outdoors, working with his hands, and doing things the way he knew best. He was born into dairy farming and took great pride in his work. He had a gift for farming and could plant and harvest corn like no other. He loved machinery and could spend countless hours working with it, fixing it, and making things work.

When he wasn’t working, Mark could often be found outdoors. He loved hunting pheasant and deer and was an avid fisherman. Some of his favorite memories were made on fishing trips with his brothers, sisters, and family. He loved sports of every kind—playing them, watching them, and cheering them on.

Mark also had a love for adventure. Over the years, he traveled through different states, often on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, enjoying the mountains, the open road, and the freedom of being outdoors. Those journeys often included stopping to visit one of his many siblings along the way.

He had a special love for animals as well. Dogs were a part of Mark’s life for many years, as he spent years training them. He will especially be missed by Goose, Remi, and Mila, who brought him a special kind of joy.

Mark proudly served in the United States Army and was a veteran, as well as a black belt in Taekwondo, reflecting another side of a man who believed in hard work, discipline, and perseverance.

But above all else, Mark was a family man.

To his grandchildren—Raegen, Boston, Sydney, Gracen, and Elli—he was simply ‘Papa.’ Being their Papa was the role he cherished most. He was a constant presence in their lives, loving them intentionally and making sure they knew they mattered, and worked hard. He didn’t just love his family; he showed them that love through his time, his presence, and the memories he made with each of them.

Mark and Sylvia J. Long, though their paths eventually went in different directions, created a beautiful family and a lasting legacy together. They remained connected through the family they built, and they were often found together celebrating the children and grandchildren who came from that love.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Oren and Dorothy Long; two brothers, Oren "Butch" Long and Daniel Long; two nephews; Christopher and Samuel; one niece, Jessica; and one great-nephew, Samuel.

He is lovingly remembered by his children, Jami Rae (Ryan) Tibbs, Mark Toby (Joelle) Long; his grandchildren, Raegen, Boston, Sydney, Gracen, and Elli; his brothers and sisters, Mary Ellen (Richard) Mayer of Truman, Minnesota, Cindy (Donald) Fisher of Sagle, Idaho, Steve (Brenda) Long of Indianola, Iowa, Matt (Debbie) Long of Creston, Iowa, Pat (Brent) Morningstar of Maple Lake, Minnesota, Mike (Becky) Long of Olivet, South Dakota, Todd (Kay) Long of Mitchell, South Dakota, Monica Ulses of Elkhorn, Nebraska, Jenny (Kevin) Fergen of Dimock, South Dakota, Peg (Dan) Minnaert of Boise, Idaho, and Morry (Theresa) Long of Mitchell, South Dakota; numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews; and the countless friends whose lives he touched.

Mark had many special friendships throughout his life. For those fortunate enough to be in his circle, his friendship was intentional. If Mark considered you a friend, you knew it. He made people feel remembered, valued, and genuinely cared for.

Mark was baptized and saved by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While his unexpected passing has left a tremendous emptiness for those who love him, his family finds comfort and hope in the promise that this is not goodbye forever, but see you later.

Mark leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by possessions or accomplishments, but by the people he loved, the work of his hands, the stories and memories he created, and the lives he touched. He will be deeply, deeply missed.