Marvin George Long

Marvin George Long, 88, passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on July 24, 2026 at home in Post Falls, Idaho. He was born on April 3, 1938, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Marvin and Hazel Long. He was a brother to Richard (Shirley) Long, Pat (Jerry) Peters, and Judy (Jim) Tietz.

He married Helen (Glass) Long on October 11, 1956, in St. Paul, Minnesota. They were happily married for 70 years; their love was admired by all and was said to be once in a lifetime. They raised 8 children together: four boys and four girls, as well as 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Along with raising his children with his wife, Marvin had a career working payroll for the Burlington Northern Railroad. He transferred to Seattle in 1972, then retired after 44 years. The ones closest to him knew this career inspired a lifelong admiration for trains.

Marvin, or "Toppers," was well known for his strong and loving heart towards his family and friends, his joyful singing and whistling at random times, and his playful jokes that brought everyone to laughter. In his younger years, he loved spending time outdoors: hunting, fishing, and camping. He shared this passion with all of his children and passed it down through generations. He always appreciated a good road trip with old country music playing, and his time in a choir group showed during these and many other occasions. He also enjoyed playing Rummy and Poker with his family and never turned down a game of In-Between at family gatherings. A trip to the casino was rarely turned down, especially with his kids or grandkids, and he loved weekly bingo with Helen. His grandchildren fondly remember the times he would sneak them a candy bar before bed without anyone knowing.

He made countless memories and relationships through his love of God and his time spent at church. Marvin and Helen made the importance of church known in their household and also passed the love their religion gave them to everyone they encountered.

Marvin Long is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Richard and Pat; and sons, Marvin Jr. (Skip), Bobby, and Paul Long. He is survived by his wife, Helen Long; sister, Judy; son, Tom Long; daughters, Anne (Wayne) Redington, Sandy (Lee) Long, Peggy (John) Kunz, Paula Just, and daughter-in-law, Sherry Long; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Marvin will be dearly missed by the many lives he touched, and his memory and strength will be honored by generations to come. Family, friends, and others whose lives were touched by Marvin are invited to Peace Lutheran Church, 8134 N. Meyer Road, Post Falls, ID 83854 on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 10:00 am to honor, grieve, reminisce, and support each other through the loss of such a great man.