ValJean M. Long, of Ord, Nebraska passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Valley County Health System Hospital in Ord, Nebraska.

Valjean Mae was born on January 24, 1931, in Franklin, Nebraska to Herman and Alma (Shepherdson) Eckhoff. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church west of Macon, Nebraska and was a 1948 graduate of Franklin High School.

On January 29, 1950, Jean married William K. “Bill” Long at Zion Lutheran Church near Macon, Nebraska. Together they shared 71 wonderful years and were blessed with three children.

Jean's life with Bill took them across various states, including Kansas, Nebraska, Alaska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, before settling in Ord, Nebraska. During her career, Jean worked at the Regional Library in Riverdale and the State Library in Pierre. In Ord, she enjoyed a dedicated 35-year tenure at Anderson Pharmacy.

An active member of Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jean was a devoted fan of Nebraska football and volleyball, and found joy in bowling, golfing, and playing cards. Above all, she cherished the time spent with her family and grandchildren.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Becky Long of Minot, North Dakota; two daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and David Schlosser of Edgeley, North Dakota and Pamela and Mark Sulentic of Greenwood, Nebraska; nine grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and a sister, Gayle Heidemann of Wausau, Wisconsin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Doyt and Darlene Eckhoff, Robert and Margaret Eckhoff and James Eckhoff; a sister and brother-in-law, Arlene and Bill Hutson and a host of nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ord, Nebraska. ValJean and Bill will be interred together in the Ord City Cemetery. 

Memorials are suggested to Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church.