Donald Joseph Long

Donald Joseph Long, 81, of Pleasant Grove, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family and loved ones, on the evening of Monday, April 1, 2024.  

Don was born on September 14, 1942, in Pittsburgh, California to Joseph Wilson Long and Bertha Christensen Long.  His family moved to Orem, Utah in 1951 where he attended and graduated from Orem High School. After graduating Don enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Korean war for 3 years.  Upon returning from the Army, Don was doing what he loved best, drag racing, down Provo Center St where he met and fell in love with his beautiful wife Karen “KB” in October of 1963.  They were married on September 26, 1964.  They would have celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary this year.  They settled in Orem, Utah where they had 4 children, Russell, Bradley, Jeffery, and Stephanie. 

Don worked for Quest Communications for many years as a telephone interoffice technician.  He loved building things and became a general contractor building homes.  He enjoyed having his boys and his grandsons help him, teaching them how to be creative and hardworking.  He lived and loved life to the fullest.  He enjoyed cooking, having BBQ’s, making his famous jerky, his race cars, fixing up his rat rod, bowling, BYU football games, camping, animals, and many other things. Don had a way of making people around him feel special. He loved cuddling and snuggling all the babies, and always wanted to be with his family.  We are all going to miss him so much!

Don is survived by his wife, Karen, his three children: Russ (Melody) Long, Brad (Liz) Long, and Stephanie Cook; 15 grandchildren; multiple great-grandchildren and his siblings Jerry Allen Long, and Linda Long Davis.  He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph & Bertha, his son Jeff, and grandson Skylar.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 8^th, 2024, at 12:00 pm at Sundberg Olpin Mortuary located at 495 S State St in Orem. A viewing for friends and family will be from 10-11:30 am prior to the services at the mortuary.  Burial will follow at Timpanogos Memorial Gardens in Orem, Utah 1000 West 400 North. There will be a celebration of life Monday evening from 6-8 at 675 W Main St. in Lehi.

The family would like to thank Rocky Mountain Hospice, all the Aids, CNA’s, Physical Therapists, Nurses, Doctors, Social Workers, and Chaplin, that have all helped him and been a part of his life this past year.