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   Frank H. DeLong, Jr. was born November 13, 1949 to Frank H. and Ethelyn (Probasco) DeLong. He grew up in Blind Lake Township, attended and graduated from Backus School.

   A favorite first job was working for Maxine McKeebe on Deer Run Ranch, helping care for her internationally known giant dewlap toulouse geese. He also worked for a time logging near Cass Lake for Delvin Heemstra and at McKay Envelopes in St. Paul before he was drafted into the U.S. Army. After basic training he did two tours in Vietnam.

   In 1972, he married Cynthia Baily and raised three girls. Frank worked at Durkee Manufacturing until it closed, they then moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. They divorced and he married Trease Lehrman, later they divorced. In Nevada, he worked for a time at Builder’s Square, for David at Vegas Market. David became like a son to him and they enjoyed times together hunting antelope. He worked at South Nevada State Mental Health Hospital until he retired. It was while he was working at the hospital he met a special woman, Marcy, that became the love of his life. They married September 3, 2004 and enjoyed taking Alaskan cruises and long weekends in Fallbrook, California visiting grandson Justyn. Most days were enjoyed with his cats, Jack or Midnight, on his lap while reading a book from his vast library. Many hours he also spent on the phone discussing anything from what green beans to plant, to house repairs and family updates with his sister Leonette. His uncle Leon spent a few months each winter with them in Las Vegas. Before travelling became too difficult, he enjoyed staying in a little cabin at his sister Mary’s, with the freedom to plant gardens or orchards as he wished.

   He is survived by his wife Marcy, daughter Dorothy (Brian) Mills, Janelle (Shimon) Klein, Laura Steagall, five grandchildren, a step-grandson Justyn, great-grandchildren, siblings Suzanne Luchka, David DeLong, Mary Krecklau, Kathleen Mitchell, Leonette DeLong, Luke DeLong, and many nieces and nephews. Grandson Justyn has been and will continue to be a support and comfort.

   He is preceeded in death by his parents Frank and Ethelyn, sister Cindy Snyder and step-daughter Gina.

   A service is planned for a later date.

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