John Irving DeLong

John Irving DeLong, age 85, of Markesan, WI, passed away to his heavenly home on April 18, 2023, with his loving family by his side.

John was born on May 10, 1937, son of Robert and Bernice (Underwood) DeLong, in LaMoille, IL. He was raised on the family farm and graduated from LaMoille High School. On February 26, 1960, John married Carolyn Chance in Peoria, IL. He was a cadet in the Air Force and served in the reserves for 6 years. He graduated from Illinois State University and spent many years between GTE in Illinois and Verizon in Texas as a safety engineer. 

John enjoyed sailing and was a member and commander of the U.S. Power Squadron. He upgraded his sailboat for a plane and spent countless hours in his Grumman Tiger; he loved flying. He was a member of Federated Church of Green Lake where he sang bass in the choir and played the harmonica. John was a volunteer at Ripon Hospital for over 20 years. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed time spent together. He was a good, Christian man who loved everyone and gave special hugs.

John is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Carolyn DeLong of Markesan, WI; children, Timothy (Sonia) DeLong of Puerto Adventuras, Mexico, Dennis (Kathy) DeLong of Bloomington, IL, Mindy O’Brien of Bloomington, IL; grandchildren, Brooke (Ross) Wagner, Brent (Marina) Fontenot, Jr., Heather (Matt) Luhn, Megan (Ryan) Brown, Lynsey Pool, Rhys O’Brien; 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Daniel (Maureen) DeLong of Markesan, WI; sister-in-law, Sue DeLong, and many nieces, nephews and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Bernice DeLong; and his siblings, Thomas DeLong and Margaret (James) Gambill.

Visitation for John will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 10:00 - 11:00 am at Federated Church of Green Lake 489 Scott St, Green Lake, WI 54941. 

A Memorial Service for John will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 11:00 am at Federated Church of Green Lake with Rev. Karen Gygax Rodriguez officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Federated Church of Green Lake 489 Scott St, Green Lake, WI 54941. His family would like to thank niece, Angela (Chip) DeLong Banerjee and nephew, Mark (Doreen) DeLong for all their loving help and support throughout the years.