Charlotte "Char" J. Long

Charlotte “Char” Josephine (Zulz) Long, 92, of Wenona, passed away peacefully at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home on May 14, 2026, after suffering from an unexpected health complication.

Private services will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Wenona. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Wenona. The Hurst Funeral Home in Wenona has been entrusted with her arrangements.

Charlotte was born on April 18, 1934, to William and Julia (Pleshe) Zulz. On February 11, 1956, Char married the love of her life, Lloyd “Butch” William Long. Together, they welcomed their only son, Christopher “Chris” William Long, on April 13, 1968.

Char always considered herself a homebody who was stubborn, sassy, and a little bit — pardon the language — smart-assy. Those closest to her, however, knew her as someone who loved deeply and cared endlessly for the people she held dear, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her three grandchildren: Brandon (Ashley) Long of Wenona, IL; Jared Long of Venice, FL; and Carli (Broc) Hovey of Rutland, IL. Also surviving are her nine great-grandchildren: Emma, Tanner, Cloe, Natalie, Ellie, Daxx, Roman, Rhett, and Navy “Tootsie.”

Char was preceded in death by her husband, Butch; her son, Chris; her parents; and her siblings.

Her family finds comfort in knowing she is reunited with her husband and son, whom she longed for dearly.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home.

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