Dr. Jack Longfellow

Jackie (Jack) Irwin Longfellow was born January 16, 1946, to Wilson and Deloris (Burns) Longfellow on their farm southeast of Lenox, Iowa. He left his earthly body behind when his mind and soul were set free to be in the presence of Jesus on November 20, 2024.

Jack spent his young life on the farm with his sisters, Sharron Kay and Mary Joe and his brother, Kenneth Larry. He attended country school through eighth grade, then graduated from Lenox High School in 1964. He played college football for Northwest Missouri State University and graduated in 1968 with a B.S. Degree in Mathematics and Physics. He was accepted into veterinary college at the University of Missouri-Columbia and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1973. To pay for college, he held various jobs, including two summers of loading, driving, and unloading for Allied Van Lines traveling across most of the United States. On August 26, 1972, he was united in marriage to Diane Brune, whom he met in veterinary college. In June of 1973, they moved to Broken Bow, Nebraska, to practice veterinary medicine at Grassland Veterinary Hospital where Jack practiced for 45 years. He loved working with the farmers and ranchers of Custer County and the surrounding area.

Jack and Diane were blessed with four children: Chad, Todd, Dan and Robyn who, in turn, blessed them with 13 precious grandchildren. Jack cherished them all, did his best to attend their events and milestones in life and especially enjoyed one on one time and teasing with them.

Jack was a lifetime member of both the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association, as well as other veterinary professional organizations. He was a member of the Broken Bow United Methodist Church, a choir member, a 4-H leader, a Broken Bow Jaycees member, a Custer County Sheriff’s Posse member and most recently, a Broken Bow Elks Lodge member, where he was the president for a term. Never forgetting his Iowa farming roots, nor shying from a challenge, he farmed, ranched and raised his children to love the land and its’ fruit. He was very proud to raise registered Angus and Charolais cattle. He loved to hunt, fish, watch football, sing, dance, cook, hike in the Rocky Mountains and spend time with his family, friends and clients. He was well known for talking for hours telling stories, most of which were true!

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Diane, his son Chad (Sandi) and children, Ashton, Maisy and Madison Longfellow, his son, Dr. Todd (Dr. Maureen) and children, Zach, Alex and Kate Longfellow, his son, Dr. Dan (Dr. Kristin) and children, Drew and Beau Longfellow and his daughter, Robyn (Eric) and children, Skylar, Annalee, Merea, Zane and Barrett Smith. Sisters, Sharron Howes of Red Oak, Iowa, Mary Joe Simms of Bella Vista, AR and sister-in-law, Carolyn (Wayne) Wilson of Mt. Ayr, Iowa. Brother-in-law, Rev. David (Janet) Brune of Union, MO, sisters-in-law, Carole (David) Gruszczynski of Monument, CO and Phyllis (David) Avis of Warrenton, MO. Nineteen special nieces and nephews, extended family and many great friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson and Deloris Longfellow, his parents-in-law, Dr. Theophil and Gertrude Brune, brother, Dr. Ken Longfellow and brothers-in-law, David Howes and Larry Simms.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Broken Bow Ambulance (EMTS), the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Custer County Foundation Scholarship fund.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the Broken Bow United Methodist Church in Broken Bow, NE with Pastor Phil Sloat officiating. The funeral service will be livestreamed at www.govierbrothers.com. The burial will be in the Broken Bow Cemetery. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 25, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary, additional visitation and a time to greet the family will be held on Monday evening, 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Broken Bow United Methodist Church in Broken Bow, NE. Online words of encouragement and remembrance can be left at www.govierbrothers.com