Donald "DJ" Long

Donald “DJ” Joel Long, 82 of Hermantown, died Saturday, December 3, 2016 at Viewcrest Health Center, with his family by his side.  Don was born February 25, 1934 in Duluth to Joel and Gladys Long.  He graduated from Morgan Park High School and served in the US Navy.

Don met the love of his life, Myrna Line while roller skating and they were married on March 9, 1957.

He worked at Duluth Union Depot and Transfer; was a brakeman and conductor for the DMIR Railroad; was owner with his best friend, Dominic “Dobby” Messina of, Don and Dobby’s Friendly Tavern, Don and Dobby’s Bridge Bar and Café and Don and Dobby’s Hamm’s and Olympia Beer Distributing.

Don was a member of Skyline Rotary Club, DAHA, American Legion Post 71, BPO Elk Club 133, Moose Lodge 1302, member and treasurer of NARVE Unit 92, member and president of 242 Yacht Club, member of The Duluth Curling Club; he enjoyed stock car racing, and most of all, spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joel and Gladys; sister, Pat and his cherished granddaughter, Morgan Long, who died in October.

Don is survived by his wife, Myrna; sons, Richard (Debbie) Long, Daniel (Jeanne) Long and Steven (Molly) Long; sisters, Barbara Johnson, Charon Dunn and Caron (Bill) Runkle; brothers, Robert (Sharon) Long, Thomas (Mary) Long; brother in law, Roy (Pat) Line; best friends,

Dominic “Dobby” Messina and Harry Munger; 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Sanford, Dr. Amy Greminger, the staff at Viewcrest Health Center and Essentia St. Mary’s Hospice for their loving care of Don.

Visitation will begin Wednesday at 10am with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am at St. Lawrence Church, 2410 Morris Thomas Rd., Duluth, MN.  , with military honors accorded by the Duluth Honor Guard to follow.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral home, Duluth, (218) 727-3555.