Frederick James Long, 69, of rural Raymond, NE passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Aug. 3rd, 2019 after an eight-year battle with cancer.
Born in Norfolk, NE on Jan. 2nd, 1950, Fred was Stanton County’s New Year’s Baby, and the youngest of Alan and Marcella Long’s three children. He spent his childhood years doing chores ‘over on the hill’ at the family farm and graduated from Madison High School in 1968.
He was the lead vocalist and drummer in The Sound of Fate and was inducted into the Nebraska Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. His musical talents served as a source of joy and entertainment for his loved ones throughout his life.
From July 1, 1970 to April 12, 1972, he served bravely in the Vietnam War and was honored as the top cadet in Basic Training.
Fred married Christie Graber on Sept. 3rd, 1977 and had two children, Christian and Chelsea. On Feb. 28th, 1989 he married Lisa Bender and had three children, Jacob, Jason, and Katie.
He spent most of his life running the family farm until he retired in 2013. His love for animals was only eclipsed by his love for his family, and nothing made him happier than making his loved ones laugh.
His interests included history, indigenous American cultures, and cheering against the Husker football team.
A celebration of Fred’s life will be held at Roper & Son’s Funeral Home in Lincoln, Nebraska on Wednesday, August 7th from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.