CENTENNIAL, CO- Tom Long, 93, died Friday, January 25, 2019 at Littleton, CO.

He was born on July 11, 1925 in Kimball, SD to Alfred and Florence Long. Tom spent his childhood working on the family farm in Eastern South Dakota along with his brothers and sisters.

He graduated from Forestburg High School in 1944. After graduating he enlisted in US Navy where he served until August 1946.

He received his bachelor's degree from Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, and his Master's degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

His teaching career began in Bridgeport, NE in 1952, where he met Mary Chikos. Tom and Mary wed in July 1953. In 1956, they moved to Rapid City where Tom taught Drivers Education and helped established the wrestling program at Rapid City High School. In 1969, he transferred to the newly opened Stevens High School where he taught Drivers Ed and coached wrestling and golf until his retirement in 1989.

Tom was the most successful wrestling coach in South Dakota. In 1983, he was the National Wrestling Coach of the Year. He has been inducted into numerous Sports Hall of Fame.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jim and Alfred; sisters, Lola Clift, Mary Sawyer, and Dorthea Long.

Tom is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Jill; granddaughter, Anastasia; great granddaughter, Abigail and numerous nieces and nephews and other family members.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 1, 2019 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with Rev. Bruce Thalacker officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior.

Interment will be at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturigs with full military honors rendered by the Rushmore VFW Post 1273 and the US Navy Honor Guard.

A memorial is established to the family for Tom's funeral expense. Checks can be made out to Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home c/o Tom Long Funeral; and mailed to Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home/2700 Jackson Blvd/Rapid City, SD 57702.