Norbert "Pete" Long passed from this life Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, at the age of 85. He was born in Chicago, Ill., on April 11, 1923, to parents, Perry J. Long and Lillian S., nee Wenzloff, Long.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, "Buddy;" and sisters, Grace and Viola.

Surviving are his sister, Betty Stempinski; his wife of sixty years, Patsy "Patch" Long; his children, John, Cynthia, Mary Kate and Mark; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Pete was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Force and a graduate of the University of Illinois in Champaign - Urbana, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering. He had a long career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and worked at several districts located along the Mississippi. Pete retired from the St. Louis District, where he had served as the chief of the River Stabilization Branch. He was responsible for the design and regulation of structures on the Middle Mississippi River, miles 140 to 154.
Pete was a registered professional engineer in Missouri and Illinois. He was an active member of the Troy Christian Church for many years. Pete was an avid gardener and lifelong fisherman and his favorite activity was the annual family vacation to Finlayson, Minn., to visit relatives and go fishing.

Memorials may be made to the DAV.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, at Laughlin-Richeson Funeral Home in Troy, Ill.

Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009, at the funeral home. Interment in Friedens Cemetery in Troy, Ill.