Josephine Treesa Hanke Long

Heaven received a beautiful rose this New Year’s Day as Josephine Treesa Hanke Long, 86, of Morrilton, stepped into its glorious garden. Born August 13, 1936, in Poland, Josephine was one of three siblings who were raised in war-torn Poland and were Holocaust survivors. She was only thirteen when her family left the concentration camp, migrated to New York with $20.00 and a foot locker holding all their belongings, and made their way to Morrilton to begin a new life. And what a life it was! She learned the value of hard work at a young age and was a major force in helping raise her two younger brothers. She graduated Sacred Heart in 1955 and soon wed Curt Long, the next-door neighbor. Their small cattle farm in Atkins kept them busy from dawn past dusk, but Josephine still found time to perfect simple, delicious meals for her family and take care of her parents. She will always be remembered for baking wonderful goodies if you were lucky enough to partake. She even managed to become a caregiver to many of the local community who needed a ride to the grocery stores, pharmacy, or the Conway County Care Center. She was always there for everyone, serving her Lord Jesus Christ. She would say to us now “Shed no tears for me and I’ll see you soon.” So now we celebrate a life well-lived. She loved her roses, shrubs, and the gift of seeing something grow in the ground. She also loved her cows and called them by name and cherished the meaning of new life when spring calves came. Miss Josephine leaves behind a legacy of loving support to all she knew and loved. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bronislaw and Maria Hanke; her husband of 60 plus years, James (Curt) Long; adopted daughter, Linda Campbell; grandson, Mikel Long; niece, Wendy Hanke; nephew, David Hanke; and her brother, Sigmund Hanke. She is survived by her brother, Bruno (Donna) Hanke; her adopted son, Robert Long; granddaughter, Angela (Kerry) Nogosek; great-grandchildren, Denver, Lauren, Cheyenne, and Kerry; son-in-law, Randall Campbell; niece, Stephanie (Brian) Gross; nephews, Doug Hanke, Brian Hanke, and Donnie Hanke; plus, a host of grandnieces and nephews; and many special, life-long friends. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 9, at 1:00 p.m. at the Harris Chapel followed by service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Conway County Care Center.

Josephine Treesa Hanke Long

August 13, 1936 - January 1, 2023