Richard John Long

1948 - 2025

Richard John Long
Born: June 26, 1948 in Mankato, Minn.
Died: October 20, 2025 in DeKalb, Ill.
Richard John Long, of Sycamore, Illinois, passed away Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at Kishwaukee Hospital, DeKalb.
Born June 26, 1948, in Mankato, Minnesota, Rick leaves a legacy of deep commitment and dedication to improving the lives of others. From a young age, he was drawn to a life of service. He was also idealistic and spiritual, and felt that he was not "of this world." Despite feeling "different," Rick clung to his ideals and forged a meaningful life.
His belief in a "calling" sustained him in his pursuit of a career in psychology and counseling, which demanded constant sacrifice and several geographic moves throughout the Midwest and Texas. Along the way, he married Nancy, and they were blessed with two wonderful children, Tara and Adam, who have, each in their own way, continued the tradition of dedicating themselves to serving others.
As a psychotherapist, Rick was deeply committed to his clients. His compassionate, non-intrusive, listening approach to therapy was characterized by non-judgmental, "relentless empathy," a true form of care of the soul.
He is remembered as a man of deep conviction and profound caring who endeavored to create a psychological "safe space" for his clients so that they could discover their own inner wisdom and trust it to guide them forward in their lives.
Likewise, throughout their marriage, Rick and Nancy co-created a relational safe space so that they could cherish the uniqueness each brought to their relationship and bring out the best in each other. Rick loved Nancy with his whole heart and soul. He believed in her creativity and supported her development as an artist.
As a father, Rick brought the same compassion and caring to the process of parenting that he sought to embody throughout his life, along with Nancy, nurturing their children emotionally and encouraging them to embrace their own special gifts. He endeavored to be present for them in all ways, big and small. He is eternally grateful to them and Nancy for all they taught him about what it means to be a loving human being.
Coming of age in the 1960s, the soundtrack to Rick's life was provided by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughter, Tara Katherine (Nate) Bradac of Sycamore; son, Adam Richard (Erica) of Villa Park; grandchildren, Noah, Benjamin, Issac, and Maddie; sisters, Jane (Steve) Fossen, Judie (Jay) Zins and Kay (Tom) Schultz, all of Mankato, Minnesota; brother, David (Debbie) Long of Chatfield, Minnesota, and sister-in-law, Sue Long of North Mankato, Minnesota.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Florence Long, Mankato, Minnesota; and brother Bary of North Mankato, Minnesota.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 3-5 pm Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at Quiram Sycamore Chapel. A private family ceremony will be held at a later date in Minnesota.
Memorials can be made to Sycamore Public Library, 103 E. State St., or to the family.
Arrangements are by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Quiram Sycamore Chapel, 1245 Somonauk Street, Sycamore, IL 60178.
Visit olsonfh.com to share a memory or leave a condolence.