Nov. 3, 1956 – July 23, 2010


William E. "Bill" Long Jr. passed away unexpectedly at Waukesha Memorial Hospital on Friday, July 23, 2010.

He was born Nov. 3, 1956, in Fullerton, Calif., and grew up in the Eagle area and Waukesha. He attended Eagleville Grade School and St. Theresa’s Grade School and graduated from Waukesha South High School in 1973.

He was a caring, loving father of Michael DePriest (Misti Wandschneider) of Wales, Larynn Ferree (Billy) of Waukesha, Karleen Garcia (Lorenzo) of Hartland and Corrine Long (Mario Sanchez) of Waukesha.

As the first born, he will be sincerely missed by his surviving mother, Arlene Phillips (the late Jack Phillips) of Pewaukee, formerly of Waukesha.

He was a great brother to Sharron Stolpa (Steve) of Waukesha, Karee Memmel (Scott) of Waukesha, Kimberly Parks (Gene) of Kenosha, David Long (Christine) of Waterford and Misty Thoma of Waukesha. He will always be remembered by his siblings as their "protector." He was a mountain of a man, who seemed to always be there when they were growing up.

Bill adored his grandchildren, Ryloi DePriest, Tadashi Garcia, Taija Garcia and his unborn grandson, Haruki Garcia, due in September.

He is further survived by his niece, Sarresa Hrenak (Michael); niece and goddaughter, Shanna Hanusa (Jason); nephew, Tyler Thoma, all of Waukesha; the mother of his children, Linda DePriest; and many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Jack Phillips; and a nephew, Sean Bryan Phillips Thoma.

Even though Bill lived a pauper’s life, he was rich with family who loved him and who he loved as well. Bill was a prolific reader, always expanding his knowledge. He loved antiquing, finding treasures everywhere. He was a great artist as well, sharing his artwork with family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, July 30, with a brief "remembrance" service at 6 p.m. at Church and Chapel Funeral Home, 380 W. Bluemound Road (at Highways J and JJ, four blocks south of Interstate 94), Waukesha. A private burial will take place Saturday, July 30, at Jericho Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be appreciated.

Bill’s family would like to express our immense gratitude to the doctors and nurses in the intensive care unit at Waukesha Memorial Hospital for the nonstop effort and care given to Bill to try and save his life. You are all "Angels on Earth." Thank you all.

Church and Chapel Funeral Home is serving the family. For more information, call 549-0659 or visit www.churchandchapel.com to view the online obituary, leave condolences or receive directions.