William R. Long 

William Robert (Bill) Long, 78, passed away February 2, 2024 at Elkhart General Hospital. He was born in Elkhart on February 11, 1945, to Robert E. and Irene M. (Johnson) Long.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his wife, Charlotte (Bennett) Long. Surviving are two children, Andrew (Amanda) Long and Eric (Mariah) Long,

two grandchildren, lan and Asmara, and a sister, Nancy (Randy Hackbarth) Long.

Bill graduated from Elkhart High School in 1963, and received his bachelor's degree from Indiana University, the first in his family to graduate from college. He went on to obtain a law degree from the Valparaiso University School of Law.

Bill served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany where he worked at the Nuremberg Trial Center. This sparked a lifelong interest in all things German, including his collection of beer steins, and inspired him to return to Germany as a tourist more than once.

He was a partner at the Gildea Long & Frechette law firm in Elkhart. He indulged his entrepreneurial spirit by buying two liquor stores, which he continued to operate as Main Package Liquor after leaving his law practice.

In his spare time, he was an avid bowler. He served on the Board of Directors and held several offices in the Elkhart Bowling Association for many years, in addition to serving as treasurer of two bowling leagues. In 2000 he was proud to be inducted into the Heart City USBC Hall of Fame. Bill enjoyed cheering on his favorite teams in other sports, including the Indiana University football and basketball teams, and his beloved Chicago White Sox.

Bill will be remembered as being a kind and caring father, grandfather, brother and friend, who enjoyed entertaining family and friends with generous spreads at his home, particularly in the summer around the pool.

A private burial will be held at Rice Cemetery, where he will be interred near his parents. Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.