Jeanne Elizabeth Long

Jeanne Elizabeth Long (nee Craven) peacefully passed into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 15, 2025.

Jeanne was the eldest daughter of Daniel and Marguerite Craven (nee Rassmussen). She was moved via Foster Care to the Suring, Wisconsin area in Hickory, and lived with, and was nurtured by loving foster parents, Norman and Nomah Ankerson, from the age of 13 through graduation. Jeanne found her birth mother and rekindled her childhood relationship with Dale Spencer. They married in 1958 and had two children, Patti (Gene) Fiala and Dale (Ann) Spencer, they then moved to Bridgeton MO., near Dale’s parents.

Jeanne worked as a waitress and later, the family moved to Wisconsin to start up a dairy farm. Buying their first herd of cattle from the humane society, they worked hard to nurture these abused animals to build a farm the family could grow with. Ultimately that dream proved to be more than they could handle, and the farm was sold. Jeanne then worked at Gillett Plywood for many years.

She later married Leo Long and they resided in Gillett, Wisconsin.

Jeanne is survived by her children, Patti (Gene) Fiala and Dale (Ann) Spencer. Six grandchildren, Mande School, Zachary (Tabitha) School, Alexander Fiala, Eric (Shaina) Fiala, Kayla (Brad) Hickey, Nicholas Spencer. Seven great grandchildren, Ava School (Zackary Zimmer), Garrett School, Elijah Fiala, Noah Fiala, Savannah Fiala, Evelyn Hickey and Thor Hickey. Siblings Perry (Kathy) Ankerson, Andrea Simon, and Judy Harrison.

Jeanne is preceded in death by her parents, husband Leo Long, ex-husband Dale Spencer; siblings Charles, Richard, Alvin, and JoAnn.

Jeanne struggled in life to find peace. From a disrupted childhood, foster care, to life events, she couldn’t control the demons that followed her – anger and alcohol. After Leo’s death, and a lack of discipline, Jeanne drank many of her years away and distanced herself from family.

Eventually she was placed in a nursing home and lived there for more than 15 years. She managed friendships, and her son Dale, took primary control of her health, and finances until her death.

Getting a loved one to accept help is difficult and often met with anger and resentment. But, if there is a way to do it, Jeanne’s family urges you to find a way.