Carol Jean Long

CAROL JEAN LONG (nee Graczkowski) For those that knew her best, the world lost the sweetest most compassionate soul on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 with the passing of Carol (nee Graczkowski) Long of Visalia, CA at age 79. Born in Marinette, WI on August 27, 1938 to John R. and Ann Graczkowski, she grew up on their family farms until graduating from Menomonee Falls High School in 1956. She learned office skills while working for Bell Telephone Co. and married Mark Newhauser a short time later. The couple moved to Colgate, WI and adopted daughters Julie and Joy which were her greatest happiness. Carol felt blessed to have many friends who supported her as a single mother while attending the Church of God and its conventions. It is there that she and married her loving and devoted husband Gerald Long in Visalia, CA on February 28, 1988. They traveled the world, enjoyed fine wine, bluegrass music and ran their business AgroWay together for 30 years. She enjoyed sewing, reading, baking, winning at card games and her dog Sporty. Most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren, teaching them life skills. She will be remembered for her kind smile, gentle eyes and her gift of being a captivated listener. During personal adversity, Carol was extraordinarily patient, calm and kind, drawing on her faith to sustain her. She is survived by her husband Gerald Long of Visalia, CA; daughters Julie Newhauser (Jon Erickson) of Cedarburg, WI; Joy Newhauser of Visalia, CA; sister Elaine (Don) Bartol of Elfida, AZ; brother Don (Sandy) Graczkowski of Ft. Myers, FL; brother Richard (Debbie) Graczkowski of Apex, NC; sister-in-law Judy Graczkowski of Chili, WI. She is further survived by and so proud of her grandchildren Tre, Jocelin, Jahni and Jalissa of Visalia, CA and appreciated by many nieces, nephews and family. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother John H. Graczkowski and sister Delores Tucker. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2017 from 10 a.m until the time of service at 11 a.m. at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel in Visalia. Delfino Sandoval will officiate. Online guestbook can be found at www.salseranddillard.com Carol would want to express special appreciation to her doctors and caregivers for their compassion during her 3 year hospitalization for complications of Amyloidosis and osteoporosis.

Carol Jean Long

August 27, 1938 - December 26, 2017