Kenneth A. Long

Kenneth A Long, age 89, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, May 11th, 2023.

Ken was born January 26, 1934 to Hilda and Frank (Mike) Long in Dubuque, Iowa, the oldest of two children (Beverly Pettigrew).

Ken met the love of his life, Pat (Patricia Clemens), in kindergarten in Dubuque. They became high school sweethearts and married shortly thereafter, spending the next 69 years together, raising their family, traveling, and enjoying many life adventures. More than anything else, Ken and Pat loved spending time with family. They introduced their children to a love of hiking and the outdoors, spending vacations together at Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and many other National Parks across the U.S. After retiring, Ken and Pat continued their hiking and backpacking adventures over the next 20+ years. They summited Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the Continental US, at age 65 and backpacked into slot canyons in the Southwest. In addition to Phantom Ranch/Grand Canyon, another of their favorite places in Arizona was Sedona, where they spent time every year.

Ken earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Iowa State University in 1955. As a member of the ROTC, he joined the Army as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation. After serving in the Army, he joined General Electric, subsequently Honeywell, and retired at 65. During his career, he earned an MBA from Arizona State University.

Ken was also heavily involved in the church at St. Paul’s, volunteering and serving on many committees. Ken was President of the Pastoral Council, and in that capacity, found and brought to St. Paul Parish the Family Formation Religious Education Program now used for grade-school children. The program emphasizes the primary responsibility of parents in the religious formation of their children. Ken was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Men’s Club and served as a liturgical minister.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Patricia; children Mary(Jim), Mike(Tami), Michele(Ron); grandchildren Jacob, Zachary, Kellie, Jamie, Jason, Ryan and Megan; great grandchildren Karsen, Rylie and Kyler; sister Beverly Pettigrew, niece Carrie Schlichtmann and her family.

Services for Ken will be held on Thursday, June 1st, at St Paul's Catholic Church, 330 W. Coral Gables Dr, Phoenix. There will be a Rosary at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M.

Please join us after the service for a reception in the church hall.

Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers may be made to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.phoenixmemorialmortuary.com for the Long family.