Obituary of Karen Joan Ulrich Long

June 9, 1937 - Dickinson, North Dakota, USA

April 8, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Karen Long passed away at the age of 85 in the early morning hours of April 8, 2023, after living with dementia in the latter years of her life in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Karen was born June 9, 1937, in Dickinson, North Dakota, to Clifford and Vera Ulrich. She was the middle child of five: 3 sisters (Danese Longbottom, Vee Kuehnl, Sister Denay ‘Cleo’ Ulrich), and one brother (Clif ‘Chip’ Ulrich). Her family moved to Mankato, Minnesota, where she went to Good Council Academy and graduated from Mankato State University with degrees in Business Education and Physical Education.  She began her career teaching and coaching.  Then wanting adventure, she traveled to Tokyo, Japan, and taught at a military school for two years. It was friends and family that brought her back to the USA. She began teaching at Anoka High School in 1967 where she taught business education and coached girls swimming.  It was here she met her husband, James (Jim) Cameron Long, and they were married in 1969. 

Karen and Jim were married 50 years until his passing in 2019. They enjoyed their cabin near McGregor, MN, traveling to Florida, and spending time with family and friends. They shared two children together, Erich Long (wife: Teri) and Amy Meyer (Husband: Justin) and two stepchildren: Steve Long (wife: Karen) and Andrea Long. Together they had 14 grandchildren. Karen had many meaningful friendships with neighbors and friends but her most important friendship lasted over 50 years with Judy Dietrich. 

Karen had a 35-year career with the Anoka Hennepin School District as a high school teacher at Anoka, Blaine, Coon Rapids, and Champlin Park High Schools. She became a district business education consultant and was instrumental in implementing technology in the classroom until her retirement in 1997.  She was a member of PEO for over 38 years where she held offices that included President, Vice President, Treasurer, and guard.  She was also an active card player including Bridge.

Karen had a positive view of life, a good sense of humor, and was always appreciated for her warm, encouraging words.  She was a very kind, gracious, generous, caring, thoughtful, and sensitive person.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church (525 Jackson Street, Anoka, MN 55303) with a visitation prior to at 10:00 am, lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in the name of Karen Ulrich Long directly to Resource Development, School Sisters of Notre Dame, 170 Good Counsel Dr. Mankato, MN 56001. or online at ssndcentralpacific.org/give

In living memory of Karen Long, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.