Ardith Joyce Long (Engel), age 81, of Waldo, WI, died unexpectedly on May 19 th , 2021. Dad finally came
to get the love of his life this day. Part of her left with him 21 years ago on July 27, 1999. She kept a
brave face and tried to keep her “6 pak” in line ever since. She was a strong woman who was never
afraid to tell you what she thought. People who didn’t know her may have been off-put but those who
knew her appreciated her honesty and usually got a laugh as well.
She was born on November 28, 1939, a daughter of the late Carl and Ethel (Wenzel) Engel.
She met Dad as a young lady and she laughed that her parents bought her a suitcase for her 18 th
birthday. Dad said she stalked him. They got married on June 7 th , 1958 in West Allis, where Mom grew
up. Dad had moved there from Waldo. He was a bartender when they met and that was pretty much it.
Dad was hooked. This awesome legacy had begun. Mom made him move back to Waldo. We kids are
forever grateful that Dad could not usually win an argument with Mom. We laugh at stories of Dad
teaching Mom how to drive. She didn’t have public transit any longer. I used to think about this when
Dad taught us children to drive. They had a deal, Mom would potty-train us and it was Dad’s job to teach
us how to drive. I wonder who got the better end of that deal!
Mom worked for many years at Bemis Manufacturing. She had so many amazing friends and memories.
She retired from there but always had a big party of her heart forever tied to this part of her life.
We are torn. This is bittersweet. We are happy Mom and Dad are dancing in heaven. We are sad for our
unfathomable loss. They raised us well and their task is done. We must remember the lessons taught
and love given. It is for us to carry on the legacy.
Survivors include her six children: Guy Long of Waldo, Scott (Dawn) Long of Waldo, Jeff (Bridget) Long of
Kohler, Shelly (Bob) Wright of Sheboygan, Heidi Long (fiancé: John Lemke) of Plymouth, and Amy (Jerry)
Hammarlund of Waldo; eight grandchildren: Joshua, Savannah, Phillip, Ian, Megan, Kelsey, Mary, and
Sara; six great-grandchildren: Ava, Zoe, Iris, Nora, AJ, and Ellie; two brothers: Carl (Karen) Engel and
Doug (Sue) Engel; sister: Laurelle Rendon; Brother-in-law: Mike (Sally) Long; and sister-in-law: Brandy
Engel.
She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents and in-laws; grandchild: Jenna Wright; and
daughter-in-law: Pam Long.
Visitation will be held on Monday (May 24, 2021) at the Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth from 4:00
PM – 6:00 PM, with a service to follow at 6:00 PM. Rev. Denise Kwiatkowski, Pastor of Trinity United
Methodist Church in Waldo, will officiate. Burial will be at Waldo Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Ardith’s name.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family. For online condolences, please
visit www.suchonfh.com.
The family would like to send a special thanks to the staff at Rocky Knoll Nursing Home, especially social
worker Kelly Rabe, for all the care and compassion given to Mom.
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