Thomas Paul Long

Thomas Paul Long, born December 24, 1948, died peacefully October 18, 2024 (age 75). A Christmas Eve present to his parents Joan (Marystone) and George Long, he had six siblings: Sister Pat Howard, Mark Long (deceased), Jerry, Bill, Don and Bob.

He was a bright young man who liked learning lifelong. He was drafted in 1970 and served the Army and country honorably till discharged the next December. He attended the University of Minnesota and received a B.A. in Psychology.

He worked at public institutions helping people with their mental health, General Hospital/Hennepin County Medical Center in Mental Health Unit, then spending decades at Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center (formerly Anoka State Hospital) as a behavioral analyst. He was known for taking his clients offsite on exciting field trips, including the Parade of Homes and Target stores.

While working there he also met co-worker Constance (Connie) Mortensen, who he later married. He got to have a ready-made family (Heather and Garth Mortensen) whom he helped raise at their home in Ramsey, Minnesota. Thomas later lived in Grand Marais, Plymouth and Robbinsdale.

Thomas had an inquisitive mind (he was a MENSA member) and a variety of interests. He loved the outdoors and spent days fishing, hunting and camping. He played cards well and liked to go to the racetrack, for a while. He played fantasy baseball and basketball, uniquely and entertainingly. He loved auctions and the deals to be had (even if he didn’t need 5000 plastic poker chips or 200 baseball hats). He was an old-school Republican and ran for the State Legislature against Phyllis Kahn in the 1970’s.

He was always interested in new opportunities and plans. He had his own way of looking at life, plenty of ideas and a sunny and optimistic disposition in pursuing them (most of which required a daily trip to Menards). He loved his friends (many of them lifelong) and their grandchildren, and we’ll all miss him.

A military funeral will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 1:30 PM, meeting at Assembly Area #6 at 1:15.   PLEASE SEE MAP IN PHOTO GALLERY.  This will be followed by a remembrance for friends and family at the 5 8 Club at 5800 Cedar Ave, Minneapolis.

Memorials can be sent in his name to National Alliance on Mental Illness-Minnesota (NAMI) or the American Diabetes Association. 

Please join us in celebrating his life.