Mike was born to Robert “Bob” Long and Lois (Soderquist) Long-Berglund on July 21, 1953 and grew up in Glen Lake MN. He passed away January 4, 2022 at Regions Hospital from complications from a fall at home. He was 68 years old. In 1969 his family moved to Stillwater, MN and he graduated with the high school class of 1971. He earned a 2 year degree in small engine repair at Hennepin Technical College.
Mike had a 38 year career at Andersen Windows and worked his way through many positions before retiring as a Maintenance Technician. He took pride knowing he was part of a team that developed a Preventative Maintenance Program to support machine reliability for the company.
The 1970’s found Mike pursuing many hobbies such as skiing at Birch Park and Snow Crest. He was also an active member of the Twin Cities Van club with his red Dodge conversion van.
In 1979 and into the 80’s he found his interests moving to snowmobile drag racing. His love for flying down the track at breakneck speeds peaked his creativity in building and tuning engines along with clutching skills to make the most of the machine he was riding or sponsoring. That love of speed stayed with him all his life.
He moved to Houlton, WI and joined the St. Joseph Fire Department through the friendly but persistent persuasion of his good friend and mentor Jimmie (Pops) Tuma. Mike retired from St. Joseph Fire after 30+ years of service.
On June 6, 1992, Mike married Patty (Schwalen) Long. They raised 3 boys. Mike helped out during their school years as a Sunday school teacher, scout leader, and supported the boys at many school and sports activities.
In 1996 Mike started a part time career as a Public Education Safety Specialist with Northwood Technical College (formerly WITC). He had a passion for helping firefighters learn how to operate pump trucks and was an instructor at the time of his passing.
In the 2000’s he renewed his love for skiing and taught his boys how to ski.That interest developed into becoming a ski instructor and D-Team coach. Mike had his PSIA certifications in Levels 1 and 2 and also his Childrens Certificate. The Childrens Certificate was what gave him a “tool box” full of tricks and techniques and he loved to share his knowledge with others.
Mike took pride and interest in the Town of St Joseph. His relationship with the Town spanned 40 years. He was on many town committees, served as Town Supervisor for 4 years,and received Citizen of the Year award in 2020. He was active in Town affairs up to his passing.
He recently was working on resto-modding a 1980 Arctic Cat El Tigre snowmobile for ice racing. He started in 2018 and worked tirelessly on finding, getting or fabricating parts for it. He completed the sled in the summer of 2021 but never got the chance to run it down a track. It will be run on an ice track in the coming months in his memory.
He was an active member at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, and enjoyed the people and working events especially in the kitchen with others.
Mike leaves behind his wife Patty, sons Kyle, Gregory, and Warren; his mother Lois Long-Berglund, sisters Nancy Long and Patricia Long, nephew Christopher and extended family.
He is preceded in death by his father Robert “Bob” Long, step-father Edgar Berglund, and in-laws Robert “Bob” and Mary Schwalen.
The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have gotten during this time.
A Celebration of Life for Mike will be on Friday, May 20, 2022 from 3:30-7:00p.m. at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 285 County Rd. E, Houlton, WI.
