Violet ValJean Long (Fortkamp) was born June 12, 1929, to Henry C. and Sophie (Haarberg) Fortkamp on their farm southwest of Wauneta, Neb.
    Violet was baptized into the Christian Faith at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, rural Wauneta, Neb., on July 7, 1929. Her sponsors were Doris Bartels and Maria Keiser. She was also confirmed on April 18, 1943, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, W.H. Wendling, Pastor.
    On January 1, 1950, Violet was united in marriage to Wendell J. Long. To this union two children were born; Linda and James. They lived on a farm southeast of Wauneta, and Violet enjoyed helping her husband with the farm work. In June of 1992, she moved into the Wauneta community following Wendell’s illness and passing. Violet’s pastimes were music and writing songs and poetry. She was recognized both locally and nationally for her poetry, being published in the World of Poetry Book and being named Golden Poet of 1991. She was a longtime member of Redeemer Lutheran Church of Wauneta. Violet’s family was her pride and joy, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
    Violet passed away Tuesday morning, May 1, 2018, at the Dundy County Hospital, Benkelman, Neb. She was 88 years of age.
    Survivors include daughter Linda Leitner and husband Dennis of North Platte, Neb.; son James Long and wife Annette of Wauneta, Neb.; grandchildren DeLynna Schilz and husband Josh Matthew; Leitner and wife Allyson Andrea; Glenn and husband, Shawn; Julie Sparrow and husband Jon; Jessica Johnson and husband Ben; Melissa Pearse and husband Logan; great-grandchildren: Brooklyn, Sydney, Cheyenne, Madison and Michael Leitner, Karley Schilz, Amberlynn, Bentley and Kylie Glenn, Violet and Adam Sparrow, Austin and Easton Johnson, Kayden and Grayson Pearse. Brother Martin Fortkamp and wife Erma of McCook, Neb.; sisters-in-law Nina Fortkamp of Imperial, Neb.; Shirley Thacker of California; Janet Solis of Mexico City, Mexico; Glenda Milby and husband Don of Kansas; and  numerous nieces and nephews
    Violet was preceded in death by her parents, husband  Wendell, six brothers; Bill, Fred, John, Ervin, Albert, LaVern, Emil, and Art, sisters; Hilda Roschewski and Velma Doetker
    Funeral services were held Monday morning, May 7, 2018,  at the Redeemer Lutheran Church of Wauneta, Neb., with Pastor David McCarthy officiating.
    Interment followed at Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta.
    Visitation was held Sunday afternoon, May 6, 2018, at the funeral home in Wauneta.
    A memorial has been established in Violet’s memory.
    Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com.
    Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta entrusted with arrangements.