Myrtle Frances Long, 88, of rural Osseo, passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning, September 22, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family and the care of St. Croix Hospice.
Myrtle was born on November 28, 1937, in Black River Falls, the daughter of Frank B. and Mary Greencrow Thunder. She attended Fairchild Elementary and went on to graduate from Fairchild High School, where she was a talented athlete who excelled in basketball and also loved playing softball. Demonstrating a lifelong spirit of excelling, she was one of the first Native American students to attend Wisconsin State University at Eau Claire.
On July 25, 1959, Myrtle was united in marriage to Douglas Jonathan Long in Eland, WI. The couple’s first home was in Schofield, where their son Lance was born, and when he was a young child they moved to St. Paul, MN. After four years in St. Paul they returned to Fairchild, and in 1978 the family moved to their home in Otter Creek Township, in the Foster area of rural Osseo. Myrtle had remained in her home after the passing of her husband Doug on March 30, 2007.
In keeping with her Thunder Clan teachings, Myrtle dedicated her professional life to social services, committing her heart and energy to helping others. She began her career with Jackson County Social Services before embarking on a remarkable 47year career serving the Ho-Chunk Nation in the same vital field. A true pillar of her community, she was instrumental in the formation of the Ho-Chunk Nation Clan Mothers, ultimately retiring at the age of 87.
Her Ho-Chunk heritage and her lifelong membership in the Native American Church were deeply cherished cornerstones of her life. Fluent in her language, Myrtle embraced every aspect of her culture. She loved NAC and Pow Wow music, dancing, attending ceremonies and celebrations, arts and crafts, and enjoyed playing BINGO with family and friends.
Myrtle is lovingly remembered by her son, Lance Long and grandson Douglas Morgan Long both of Osseo; sister, Faye Thunder (Erwin) Begay of Black River Falls; sisters-in-law, Beverly Thunder of Fairchild, Rosalie Gokee of Hayward; numerous children, grandchildren, godchildren, and many cherished nieces, nephews and extended and adopted family.
In addition to her husband, Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents, Frank B. and Mary; brothers, Merton Thunderbull, Gordon, Levi Sr., and Josiah Thunder Sr.; sisters, Faith Matter, Hope Smith, and Charity Thunder; nephews Jonathan, Levi Jr., Timothy and William Sr.; and nieces, Darlene and Cynthia.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta.
A second visitation will follow from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Long residence (E13010 County Road K, Osseo) with Native American Church services later Thursday evening at the residence.
A public funeral service will take place at noon on Friday, also at the Long residence.
Burial will follow commitment services in the Fairchild Cemetery.
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