William Karl Longnecker

WILLIAM "BILL" LONGNECKER passed away on May 3, 2025 in Minneapolis MN, at the age of 86. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Lenore Longnecker, and his son, William Karl Longnecker Jr. He is survived by his wife, Helen Longnecker; his daughters, Beth (Ed) Murgitroyd of Raleigh NC and Jill (Chris) Carlton of Minneapolis; four grandchildren, Andrew Murgitroyd, Brooke Murgitroyd, Christopher Carlton, and Bailey Carlton; and his brother, John (Doris) Longnecker of Pequot Lakes, MN. Bill's family meant everything to him and he was especially proud of his grandchildren's achievements.
Bill was born in Boone, Iowa on October 5, 1938, and he grew up in Belle Plaine, IA. He loved to share stories about his childhood, especially his time working in the corn fields, adventures and meals with close family friends, and his involvement with high school athletics. Bill contracted polio as a young child and was proud to have played sports throughout his life despite some residual symptoms. He also went on to get a bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa and was a Hawkeye fan for life, even attending his team's appearance in the Rose Bowl.
Bill served in the US Army before entering the workforce. During his years as a young adult he had the opportunity to live in several different cities/states; he was especially fond of his time in Seattle. During his life he traveled to 49 US states throughout his life and to several countries including a memorable trip to Germany, a honeymoon in Greece, and later in life, trips to Scotland and France.
Most of Bill's career was spent working for Scott Paper Company, to which he was loyal for life, insisting upon using Scott products decades after his retirement. While working for Scott Paper in Philadelphia, he met his beloved wife Helen and they were married in 1972. Bill and Helen lived in Broomall, PA while raising their daughters, and he was renowned among his daughter's friends for his legendary popcorn and pancakes. Despite being an Iowa boy at heart, he became an avid Philadelphia Flyers fan, and enjoyed watching the team win a Stanley Cup Final.
In 1998 Bill and Helen relocated to Seven Lakes, NC as empty nesters. During his years in North Carolina, Bill had the opportunity to truly indulge his lifelong love of the game of golf, playing frequently at Pinehurst area courses. Bill also took pleasure in gardening, planting flowers each year and growing his beloved tomato plants to serve alongside his famous grilled burgers.
Bill was a man of deep faith and a lifelong United Methodist. He was a member of several congregations over the years, including St Marks UMC in Broomall PA; Southern Pines UMC in NC; All Saints' UMC in Durham NC; and Highland UMC in Raleigh NC.
Bill's life will be remembered with the residents and staff at Minnehaha Senior Living this week, where he resided most recently, with an extended family celebration planned for July. Bill lived his life generously with a commitment to giving to small local organizations and charities. The family requests donations in his memory may be made to one of the following: Oasis For Youth (Bloomington Minnesota), Helene Foundation (Raleigh NC), or the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation - Caroilnas Chapter.