Greta Joanne (Carlsen) Long

Greta Joanne Carlsen Long, age 89, died Friday, December 8, 2017 at White Lake Assisted Living in Whitehall, Michigan.  Born in Chicago, Illinois on January 21, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Axel M. Carlsen and Esther Axelsen Carlsen.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Pierson “Pip” Long from Shelby, Michigan and her sister, Janet Brooke of Evanston, Illinois.

Having attended the University of Illinois, Greta worked as a bacteriologist in Chicago prior to her marriage to Pip.  They raised three children in Bloomingdale, IL.  During those years Greta worked passionately for the public schools serving on the school board, as an aide to teachers and in the library.  She was also a Girl Scout leader for many years and after her children were grown she worked in accounting for the computer company, Wang Laboratories. Later, she moved to Holland, Michigan where she lived for over twenty years.

She enjoyed traveling, reading and knitting and sharing her enthusiasm and talent for these hobbies with others.  Greta was most proud of her family.  She was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother and was affectionately known as “Mema” and “Gigi”.

She is survived by her three children, Kathy Shea (Mickey) of Shelby, Michigan, Lisa Timcak (Steve) of Cape Coral, Florida and Chris Long (Cheri) of Alameda, California; four grandchildren, Corey Knigge, Brandon Knigge, Rileigh Long and Jenna Long; a great-grandson, Evan Knigge; one brother, David Carlsen (Margy) of Stillwater, Minnesota; one sister, Becky Marlin (Vern) of Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina; brother-in-law, Ted Brooke of Evanston, Illinois; many nieces and nephews; and her dear friend, Diane McLaughlin of Bloomingdale, Illinois.

Those wishing to honor her memory may make a donation to the First Methodist Church in Holland, Michigan where Greta was circle member and served in the Stephens Ministry or to the Alzheimers Association in Chicago or to a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 9th, 2 pm at Shelby United Methodist Church with Pastor Anne Riegler officiating. 

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