Rita Long, age 90 of Algona, passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Monday, January 22, at Divine Mercy Catholic Parish – St. Cecelia in Algona. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery. Services will be livestreamed on Lentz Funeral Home’s website: https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/rita-long. Visitation will be 3-5pm Sunday, January 21, at Lentz Funeral Home in Algona with a Rosary beginning at 2:45 pm.
Rita Mae Long, the daughter of Ray Edwin and Mary Louise (Kosse) Deal, was born on April 15, 1933 in Tracy, Minnesota. She graduated from Tracy High School in 1951. During her senior year, Rita won the title of Miss Tracy Minnesota. Following school, Rita worked for a bank in Tracy. On May 22, 1958, Rita was united in marriage to Clifford Ray Long. The two later moved to Algona, Iowa, where she worked as a bookkeeper at Tom’s TV.
Rita was a member of the St. Cecelia Guild, New Dimension, and would often be found in the Adoration Chapel. She was a faithful parishioner, never missing a Sunday mass when she was able. She also always volunteered at the catholic stand during the fair. Rita enjoyed gardening, animals, and collecting bears.
Left to cherish Rita’s memory are her children, Amy Fletcher of Sioux City and Brian Long of Algona; grandchildren, Tessa Jensen, Mike Fletcher, and Matthew Long; great grandchildren, Kaylee Jorgensen and Lily Jorgensen; and sister, Donna Benedict of Phoenix, AZ. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Mary; husband of 54 years, Cliff; and grandson-in-law, Chris Jensen.
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