Elaine Kathryn Long

Elaine K. Long, 85, beloved Mother, Wife, Daughter, Sister, Friend, Grandmother, Great-grandmother and Aunt was called home to her eternal Father on August 22, 2025. Born on May 3, 1940 in Albert Lea, MN to J. Glenn and Myrtice Rusley. She grew up on Minnesota Avenue in Albert Lea and graduated in 1958 from Albert Lea High School. Elaine was a lifetime member of Grace Lutheran Church, and that is where she married her love, David Long, Sr. in 1960. They were happily married for 62 years, ending with David's passing in 2022. In her early married life, Elaine was employed by the telephone company in Albert Lea until becoming a stay-at-home mom. In the 1970's she returned to work as a teacher's aide in the Albert Lea School District for 30 years. Elaine had fond memories of all the children she was privileged to help, plus the many staff members she worked along side of in various elementary schools. Throughout her married life, Elaine made sure her family and her mother Myrt, her siblings and their families got together. She loved them all. In her retirement years, Elaine enjoyed winter out-state traveling, summer cabin retreats, golfing (a hole in one!), bible study, and connecting often with friends. Her happiest times were spent with her husband, children, grandchildren and their families. Elaine's friendly, caring and silly nature will be remembered forever.

She is survived by her son David Long, Jr; and daughter Lisa (Greg) Koenecke; grandchildren Kayla Koenecke, Mitchell (Courtney) Koenecke, and Joel (Eleanor) Koenecke; great grand-daughters Nichole (Casey) Whitlock, Sage Long, Etta Koenecke, and baby girl Koenecke due in October; sisters Janet Werner, Donna Rye (Vern); Sisters-in-law Phyllis Rusley, Bonnie Anderson, Roberta Germanson, Nancy (Bud) Berg; Brother-in-law Dennis (Mary) Long; and many nieces and nephews.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 62 years David Long, Sr.; grandson Evan Long; sister Pendra Nelsen; brother Robert Rusley; brothers-in-law Paul Nelsen; Richard Rye Sr., Richard Werner, Glenn Long, Leo Long, Norm Anderson and Howard Germanson.

A funeral service will be held for Elaine on Thursday, September 4th beginning at 2 PM at Grace Lutheran Church, 918 Garfield Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007. Visitation will be held the same day at the church, beginning at 11 AM and ending just prior to the 2 PM service. There will be a private burial service with extended family.

Any Memorial donations can be made in Elaine's name to Grace Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.