William Long

William “Bill” Joseph Long, 61, died Thursday, December 29, 2022, at his home in rural Woodward. A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held from 4-7 pm Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at Iles Sundberg Kirkpatrick Chapel where a Prayer Service will begin at 7pm.

Bill was born April 15, 1961, in Des Moines to Frank and Juanita (Hall) Long. He grew up in Madrid. He married Robin Malone in 1981, and, though they later divorced, they had two daughters, Sara Louise and Rachel Rene. He later married Melinda Stielow (Leefleur) in 1998. With this marriage, he gained two sons, Jesse Robert and Jeremy Allen.

Throughout his life he worked at the Woodward State Hospital (maintenance repair) and United Contractors (bridge carpenter). He took a year off from employment so he could gift his family with their dream home they all built together, along the Des Moines River north of Woodward. He was always there for anyone who needed his ability to fix anything, the Bill of all trades. We always knew we could call Bill.

He had various hobbies throughout his life including hunting, fishing, boating, mushroom hunting, and riding different motorized toys with his kids and grandkids and all the other children in his life. He also enjoyed a nice ride on his Harley any chance he got. He was a homebody who loved a houseful of friends and family he could share his timber with.

He passed peacefully in the home he built with the view he loved, surrounded by many loved ones.

He is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Juanita Long of Madrid; his sisters, Mary McVey of Mount Ayr, and Phyllis Morgan of Madrid; his brothers, Bob Long of Decatur, and Rick McVey of Woodward, and other family members.

He is survived by his wife Melinda Long, his children Sara (Chris) Carmichael of Yale, Jesse (Shera) Stielow of Altoona, Jeremy Stielow of Woodward, and Rachel (Brian) Long of Granger; grandchildren, Nicholas, Jasmine, Brandon, Zachary, Valerie, Delyla, and William; mother-in-law Norma Kilmer of Woodward; brothers, Larry (Sharon) Long of Madrid, Tim McVey of Afton, and Doug (Jackie) Morgan of Woodward; sisters, Donna Walker of Boone, Kathy Davis of Woodward, Thelma Huffman of Woodward, and many other nieces and nephews, friends, family, and loved ones.

In the words of Bill, “It’ll be alright”.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.