Date of Birth
Nov 13,1961
Date of Death
Mar 02,2015
Gregory Long, age 53, of Ottawa, IL, went to sleep on this side of eternity, only to wake to celestial grace on Monday morning, March 2, 2016. He was born November 13, 1961, the son of Clyde and Carolyn (Benson) Long. Greg grew up in Aurora and attended both Emmanuel Lutheran School in Aurora for his elementary years, spent most of his high school career at Valley Lutheran before graduating from Oswego High School. Greg was born autistic which gave him a unique point of view on the world. His heart was always open and his generosity eclipsed his possessions, but the time he spent with his family and friends was his greatest gift. Greg was devoted to Ottawa First Church and was proud to be an usher each Sunday. Greg loved to collect things but nothing was more important or impressive to Greg than his bobble head collection. Each item in his collection was garnered by attending every minor league baseball team that was in driving distance on their special bobble head giveaway nights. He also had an impressive collection of model semi-trucks and trailers. No one knew how short his time would be on this earth, but no one could argue the mark that he left will always be remembered. He is survived by his father Clyde (Jan) Long;Two sisters: Rebecca Price and Missi Lewis;One aunt Marilyn Wig;Stepmother Marilyn Long;Three nieces and nephews: Brittany Price, Andrew Price and Madison Long;Many cousins and a family of friends. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Thelma Benson, his paternal grandparents, Bear and Bue Long, his mother Carolyn Shriber and one brother Randy Long. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 5, 2015, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. A funeral service will follow visitation at 10:30. Private family burial will follow cremation at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Greg’s name. Checks may be made to the "Ottawa First Church" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes may also forwarded to the same address or on www.conleycare.com.