Robert A. DeLong age 59 of Elmwood, died suddenly on Sunday, February 8, 2015 as a result of an accidental fall while taking down a tree stand near his home in Elmwood.

Bob was born on May 1, 1955 in Menomonie to Owen Robert and Nona Jean (Jensen) DeLong.  Bob grew up in Elmwood, graduating from Elmwood High School in 1973. After high school, Bob continued his education to be a Meat Cutter in Fennimore. After receiving his degree, Bob took a job at Gunderson’s Meat Market in Mondovi. However, Bob’s true calling began in 1978 when he became a tender for Harwell Construction.  Soon after he ventured out and became a mason, working for DeLong-Pelzel Construction, Norland Construction and later his own company, DeLong Masonry.  Bob married Rita Knops on May 24, 1980 at the Elmwood United Methodist Church.  After marriage, they made their home in Elmwood where they raised their family.

Bob enjoyed the little things in life.  When not enjoying time with his family or grandchildren, he enjoyed long conversations with various family and friends, hunting or fishing, long walks in the outdoors, runs along Cady Crick road, or working with his brothers on their garden.  His positive personality and genuine sincerity will be greatly missed by many who had the opportunity to know or converse with Bob.

Bob is survived by his wife; Rita, two children; Levi of Sartel, MN and Rene (Dustin) Blomquist of St. Louis Park, MN, two grandchildren; Ray Owen and Ruth Marie Blomquist, one sister; Joan (Bob) Lucente of Ellsworth, two brothers; William (Diane) and David, both of Elmwood, special nephew; Kyle DeLong of Maiden Rock, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the Elmwood United Methodist Church in Elmwood. Rev. Michael Weaver will officiate. Burial will be in the Clearview Cemetery in Eau Galle at a later date. Friends may call from 4-8 PM Friday at the Elmwood Village Auditorium in Elmwood and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Condolences

1. Timothy Knops July 7, 2017, at 10:41am

   It's been over 2 years since his passing and I still can't get over missing him! I think about him every day and I still am in alot of pain knowing he is gone! Bob was like a brother to me and I will always appreciate the things he thought me! Thanks for everything! Tim knops

2. Jeff Bock February 20, 2015, at 5:08pm

   I just found about Bob's passing today Feb. 20th. I feel so bad I did not know earlier so I could have attended the visitation. Played softball with Bob for several years. I saw him last in Oct. 2014. We visited for while and parted. I always enjoyed his company & wit !!!! He will be missed by all. Jeff Bock

3. Kathy Kasten Schwartz February 17, 2015, at 2:34pm

   To the family of Bob, Please accept my most sincere condolences - you are with me in my thoughts and prayers. I have many good memories of the Bob and all the DeLong family. Sincerely, Kathy (Kasten) Schwartz

4. JOE ROBELIA February 17, 2015, at 10:25am

   SORRY TO HEAR OF BOB'S PASSING, HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED

5. Deb Robole February 14, 2015, at 10:30pm

   So very sorry to hear of the passing of Bob, a childhood friend and classmate whom represented so much that was good and decent in a world that can be harsh. Soul-to-soul, see you on the other side, Bob--former fellow "South Side Gang" member!

   Sending my heartfelt sympathies across the miles to Rita and children; as well as to the entire DeLong family!

6. Jeff Pelzel February 14, 2015, at 10:53am

   Bob, our boundary waters fishing trip is one of my best memories, lots of fun, thanks my friend.

7. Bruce Lecheler February 13, 2015, at 8:09pm

   To my HS classmates Rita and Dave. Very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and brother. Those with humble gentle spirits like Bob, are remembered most fondly.

8. Brad Ginsbach February 13, 2015, at 2:31pm

   Rita and the Delong family
   My sincere condolences for the loss of Bob.Though are path's hadn't crossed for a few years,I always enjoyed when they did. Always so up beat and a joy to talk with.
   May the Lord be with you all at this time of loss.

9. Tom Lechner February 13, 2015, at 9:06am

   Oh Bobby,,I am going to miss our deck talks. We solved a few of the worlds problems.
   Rita, Levi, Rene----- I looked in my book of the wonderful people in my world, and by golly, there Bobby and you are. I am so sorry.

10. Jeff Leehe February 13, 2015, at 8:35am

    I'll never forget the good talks I had with Bob on the bottom of the farm on 50th St. (Cady Creek) Rd. If you were feeling a bit down on things he had a unique way to make you feel better about yourself. He was a Gem of a person and I will miss him.

11. The Vasquez Family February 13, 2015, at 4:43am

    We are sorry to hear about the passing of your loved one. Words don't always ease the pain when you are grieving the death of a loved one, but we hope you will find hope in Jesus' promise of the redirection hope (Acts 24:14) when he will rise up tho sleeping in death (John 11:11) restoring them back to life, on the renewed paradise( John 5:28,29; Luke 24:43) what a wonderful blessing to look forward too. Until then, may Jehovah God (Psalms 83:18) grant you peace and comfort during this grievous time. - Matthew 5:4.

12. Larry Lecheler February 12, 2015, at 6:09pm

    You have our deepest sympathy on the unexpected death of Bob. He was definitely one of the friendliest people I've ever known and over the years I always enjoyed our visits. My last opportunity to talk to Bob was while running along side him at last summer's UFO Days fun run. It was a great time of 'catching up' and remembering a few 'old times' in Elmwood! Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

13. Mary Hartung February 12, 2015, at 5:41pm

    It is with great sadness that I send my sympathy to Bob's family. I have many fond memories of Bob as a classmate. I remember him being so friendly and always having a smile on his face. I can still his belly laugh. May it comfort you to know that others share your lose. Praying for you all. My deepest sympathy to you all.

14. CAPT & Mrs. James R. Harvey, USN (Ret) February 12, 2015, at 1:04pm

    Rita & Family
    Please accept our sincere sympathy at this sad time. We were shocked to hear that you lost your beloved Bob / father in a tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    With deepest respect,
    Anita & Jim Harvey

15. Mandy Phillips February 12, 2015, at 9:44am

    My heart is breaking for the entire Delong family and all of Bob's friends... He was an amazing man that never met a stranger and everyone that crossed his path instantly liked him... I have known Bob since I was a little girl living next door at my Grandma's house.... The Delong's were like a second family to me... My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very tragic and sad time.... Hugs and Love to you all... Mandy

16. Deb and Tom Sinz February 12, 2015, at 9:20am

    Rita and Family:

    So sorry to hear about Bob's accident. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God must have a better plan for him.

17. Kayla Zeilinger (Bechel) and Family February 11, 2015, at 9:15pm

    So terribly sorry for your loss. He was a great man that raised 2 great kids and touched the hearts of so many. your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

18. Steve and Amber February 11, 2015, at 6:01pm

    Your Father was a Great Friend and will be missed but not forgotten. Levi and Family you have our Deepest Sympathy!!!

19. Jodell & John Marson February 11, 2015, at 3:52pm

    Sharing your sorrow at the loss of someone so dear. May you find comfort in the loving memories you hold in your heart. With Deepest Sympathy.

20. Sue Fink (Smola) February 11, 2015, at 3:41pm

    Rita my dear friend I am so sorry, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

21. Mark Flanders February 11, 2015, at 12:10pm

    We send our deepest sympathy to you, the family and loved ones.
    Let Bob's kindness live on in our memories and actions.

22. Vicky Asher February 11, 2015, at 11:55am

    Few of us will ever be fortunate enough to know another person as kind and caring as Bob. My deepest sympathy to all of you. RIP dear friend.

23. Ann K Bock February 11, 2015, at 5:21am

    Our hearts go out to you. We have many good memories of all the Delongs and hope yours will see you through this difficult time.

24. Steve Vail February 10, 2015, at 11:01pm

    Dickie, Levi and Rene, I'm sorry that we are separated by some 1500 miles at this time. Just want you to know that Bob was an awesome brother-in-law. I will miss his little giggle whenever we got together. Uncle Steve is here for you. Love to you all and R.I.P. Bob.

25. Cindy (Schrag) McManus February 10, 2015, at 9:38pm

    My deepest sympathy for your family Rita, Levi and Rene. There are no proper words to express how terribly sorry I feel for your loss.

26. Carla Benson February 10, 2015, at 9:26pm

    Dear Dickie and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was such a good guy. He will be missed by many.

27. Mary and Jacob Ginsbach February 10, 2015, at 9:20pm

    Rita and family,
    We are so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. May The Lord watch over you and your family during this difficult time.

28. Joe Lechner February 10, 2015, at 9:01pm

    Sincere condolences to the family of Bob DeLong. He was a great man, well liked and will be remembered by anyone who knew him. RIP BOB

29. Suzi Crownhart February 10, 2015, at 8:47pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember what a nice guy he was. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

30. Jonelle Gideo (previously Fillion) February 10, 2015, at 7:53pm

    My sympathy goes out to the DeLong Family.

31. Jill Bechel and Family February 10, 2015, at 7:01pm

    My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this very sad time. Bob was simply the best!

32. Ruth and Jack Luebker February 10, 2015, at 6:55pm

    You have our sincere sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

33. Donna Anderson February 10, 2015, at 6:39pm

    I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers and with you all..

34. Ginny Wolske February 10, 2015, at 6:34pm

    Sympathies to the entire Delong family. A guy that will be missed by many! God be with all of you.

35. Amy February 10, 2015, at 5:59pm

    So sorry to hear. Thoughts and prays to your entire family.

36. Linda {Littlefield} Linder February 10, 2015, at 5:56pm

    Was so sorry to hear about Bobbys accident. Will be thinking & praying for you guys. Wasn't long ago, I talked to him at the recycle center..was good to see him after so many years.

37. Amy Glaus-Jolicoeur February 10, 2015, at 5:27pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. You have my deepest sympathy.

38. Trudy Helgeson February 10, 2015, at 5:27pm

    Dickie and family,
    We are so sorry about Bob's accident. May the memories of him keep your heart warm and knowing he is in God's loving arms bring you peace. Our deepest sympathy.

39. Ben & Barb Helgeson February 10, 2015, at 5:09pm

    Bob was one of the most Kind hearted man we have met. He and your family are in our prayers and in our heart. Rita and all your family and your children may you know that we are praying that there will be peace and comfort for all that knew him. He will be missed. God Bless. In Jesus Name. Ben and Barb

40. Gale Sober February 10, 2015, at 5:08pm

    What a shock to see this on the news. I'm so sorry for your loss. Praying that God hold and comfort you during this very difficult time.

41. Don Hardy February 10, 2015, at 4:21pm

    I have tears again as I write. There's a hole in the world tonight. We will all miss Bob so much! I am so sorry for Rita and the whole DeLong family. My sympathies.

42. Pete & Linda Hoyt February 10, 2015, at 4:19pm

    We send our most heartfelt sympathy to the DeLong family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

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