Ronald Long

Ronald W. Long Sr., Asiniiwan Inini "Stone Man", Bear clan member of the Red Lake Nation, changed worlds during the sunset on Saturday, November 25, 2023.

Ronald was born in Red Lake, MN to Patrick “Zaab” Long Sr. and Elizabeth “Makoons” Long (Martin) on October 20, 1947. He attended St.Mary’s Catholic Church and Red Lake school. Growing up, he would often capture wild horses with his friends and relatives and play cowboys and Indians. He did a lot of fishing, trapping and netting as a young boy.  At the age of 16, he left Red Lake and hitch hiked by train out to California to look for his brother Bradley, whom also headed out to California. Ronald worked and lived in an Orange Grove once he reached California. While living in California, he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps. He served his time as a Marine and was honorably discharged. During his time in the Marine Corps, he met a lot of friends while being stationed throughout the United States at multiple Marine base camps. Once he was discharged, he relocated to Chicago where he lived for numerous years before moving back to Minneapolis. He attended Job Corps where he earned a Certification in Auto body repair. He also attended Iron working school and obtained a job in New Orleans as an Iron worker for a brief time before moving back to Minneapolis. He became active with the American Indian Movement while living in Chicago and also when he moved back to Minneapolis. Anytime any Anishinaabe needed help, he would help without hesitation. While living in Minneapolis, he met Beryl Rock, whom they welcomed two children with and were together for fourteen years. Ronald moved back to Red Lake to care for his Aunt Julia Whitefeather (Martin) whom helped raised him as a child. While living in Red Lake, he worked for Red lake Builders and Red Lake Housing where he retired as a Carpenter in 2010.

Ronald enjoying traveling to powwows to sing, dance and enjoy time at the powwow with friends and family. He was a traditional dancer and enjoyed dancing. He enjoyed singing powwow songs his whole life, it was common to hear him singing a powwow song and then tell the meaning behind the song or where the song originated. He was a man that held a lot of knowledge and many people would go visit him at his home for advice or cultural knowledge. He had a strong voice and a way with words that would stick with you in life. Ronald would greet everyone with a handshake and a smile; he enjoyed to joke and make others laugh. If Ronald was not at a powwow, ceremony, or helping others, he could be found gambling or at home visiting friends and family enjoying coffee. He enjoyed watching many sports, he enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Timberwolves, Red Lake Warriors, boxing, UFC fights. Some of his favorite TV shows you could catch him watching at home were Judge Joe Brown (he thought that guy was funny!), Steve Wilkos, Jerry Springer, and two and a half men. 
Ronald spent his last years enjoying being a father and grandfather. His daughter Naomi and her children was his pride and joy and he would often talk about them to his friends and family. He also spent a lot of time attending ceremonies when he could. He will be greatly missed by his daughter, grand children and all that knew and loved him. 
Ronald is survived by his daughter; Naomi (Daniel) Long and Son-in-law; Daniel Pewaush Sr. Grandchildren; his special grand-daughter and we’enh Naylani Potter-Long, Daniel Pewaush Jr, Danayron Pewaush and Raining Pewaush. He is survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins and life-long friends. 

A traditional wake will begin at 7PM on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the New Red Lake Community Center in Red Lake and continue until the service at 11AM on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, with Allen Hardy as Spiritual Leader. Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Walker & Hackensack, MN.

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