Joann Elizabeth Long (nee Rogers)

Joann Elizabeth Long (nee Rogers), 88 of Sun City West, Ariz. and Stillwater, Minn. passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025. Joann was born February 16, 1937 in Sycamore, Ill. to Edward and Mae Rogers. She spent her childhood in Sycamore enjoying her grandparents farm. After graduating from Sycamore High School, she went to nursing school in Oak Park, Ill. and became a registered nurse in December 1957. It was in Oak Park where she met the love of her life, Thomas P Long. She and Tom were married January 24, 1959 and together they had seven children. They raised their family in the suburbs of Chicago and St. Paul, Minn. In 1966 they purchased a lake home in Manitowish Waters.

Joann spent summers with her growing children at the lake while Tom came up on weekends. In 1974 Joann received a nursing degree in Minnesota. Her career spanned many years and included general and long-term care nursing. Upon her retirement, Joann purchased a home in Sun City West, Ariz. She learned to play golf and became an avid golfer, including making a hole in one! She would play regularly while spending her winters in Arizona and her summers in Wisconsin.

Joann is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Patrick; sister, Kathleen Mae Harper (nee Rogers); grandson, Christopher James “CJ” Long.

She is survived by her children, Mary Kay Badar, James (Connie), Linda Wohlleber, Diane Echols, Joseph (Tina), Therese (Thomas) Harrington, and Michael (Jessica); grandchildren, Tommy and John Badar, Justin Long and Caitlin (Travis) Oleson, Max and Maggie Wohlleber, Tarin James, Kelsey (Bart) Carrigan, Charlie (Shantel) Hessil, Maddie and Jack Harrington, Lily and Liam Long, Skye, Connor, and Jack Dabney; great-grandchildren, Carter and Emma Oleson, Grayson and Lincoln James, and Embrya Hessel; sister, Mary Louise Gillmore; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Jorn YMCA, 13591 Zenner Lane, Manitowish Waters, WI 54545.

A celebration of life to be held in Manitowish Waters, on Friday, Aug. 1 from 4 to 6 p.m., (hors d’oeuvres reception) at Manitowish Waters Community Center, 5733 Airport Road, Manitowish Waters, WI 54545.

Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 51 S. 93 Highway 51, Manitowish Waters, WI 54545. Burial service at Pine Lawn Cemetery. Luncheon at Little Bohemia Restaurant located at 142 Highway 51.

A block of rooms has been reserved, July 31 to Aug. 3, for out-of-town guests at AmericInn by Wyndham, 700 US-51, Minocqua, WI 54548. (Room Block: Long Family, 715-356-3730).