"Brent, was a GREAT BOSS i remember when my son's was in school he always let me leave work early to attend there games. He was a very caring man, i just loved his smile. He will be missed in the family of Stormont-Vail Medical Center. Brent you are a great man."
In loving memory of
Brent R. Longwell
January 15, 1951 - December 28, 2015
Brent R. Longwell, 64, of Topeka, KS, formerly of Homer, NE passed away on Monday, December 28, 2015 at Hospice House in Topeka, KS.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 2, 2015 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Homer, NE with Vicar David Hawkins officiating, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Omaha Valley Cemetery in rural Homer. Visitation with the family present will begin at 5:00 P.M., with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, January 1, 2015 at the Mohr Funeral Home in South Sioux City, NE. Visitation with the family will be held from 1:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 16, 2015 at Penwell Gabel Family Center, 1940 NW Central Avenue, Topeka, KS. All are encouraged to wear red to his services, per Brent's request.
Brent was born on January 15, 1951 in Sioux City, IA, the son of Raymond and Lois (Pigg) Longwell. He grew up in Homer, NE and graduated from Homer High School in 1969. He attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he played football for the Huskers from 1969 to 1973, and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education. After college he attended summer training camp for the Green Bay Packers, then played for the World Football League's Memphis Southman team. He taught for 10 years before starting his career in Environmental Services. He served as Director of Environmental Services at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, KS for the past 28 years and most recently was employed at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, KS. He also continued teaching Drivers Education for the Topeka Driving School up until health issues forced his retirement.
He was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed playing all sports including baseball, softball and golf.
Survivors include his mother, Lois Longwell of South Sioux City, NE; sisters, Sheila Olson of Macon, MO, Marlys (Tom) Dworak of Ord, NE and Lynnelle (Ken) Conley of South Sioux City, NE; seven nieces and nephews, George and Eric Olson, Jessica Dworak, Dawn Bodyfield, Ty Dworak, Katie and Patrick Conley; several great-nieces and nephews; and special friend, Jindi Zhao.
Brent was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Longwell; and brother-in-law, George Olson.
Memorials may be directed to the Stormont Vail Foundation and Homer Community Educational Foundation.
Tributes
"A meaningful life is not being rich, being popular, being highly educated or being perfect. It is about being real, being humble, being strong and being able to share ourselves and touch the lives of other. It is only then that we could have a full, happy and contented life. Brent did that. He was a one of a kind. *Will miss you "Ballgame"..."
"I will always cherish the memories I had with Brent. He was my steady Boyfriend in high school, my first love, my Homer knight in shining armor, and my Husker number 86. The years we spent together were exciting, fun, and full of adventure as a young couple finding our way. Brent lived by the motto, "Be the best you can be". I know he touched many lives and his family and friends will miss him dearly. The Lord had more plans for him. I look forward to the day that we will meet again. May God grant you comfort at this difficult time of loss and peace be with our Husker number 86. With love, Deb ( Voss ) "
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Longwell family. Brent taught drivers ed for our company for many years. He was the most requested instructor. He was very patient and kind with all of his students....a great asset to our company and he will be greatly missed. Bill will certainly miss all of the football talk. We have lost a very good friend, but heaven has gained an angel. "
"My condolences to Longwell family. Brent was a good friend, fraternity brother and teammate. Rest in Peace Brother."
"I only knew Brent a very short period of time via Las Vegas and Husker Football. A gentle giant with a big heart. RIP Brent"
"I have just read these wonderful condolences that all seem to be from his friends and associates from Brent's days in Omaha and/or Kansas and that is wonderful. I can offer a slightly different view as I grew up with Brent. He was 7 months older than me but we lived only a few blocks apart in Homer all of our juvenile lives, and I graduated from high school with Brent. As we grew older I feel we actually grew closer together and though I have many great friends none could have been a nicer, better guy than Brent. He was always a pillar in our school activities. He was, of course, our homecoming king and always the best athlete, no matter the sport. When he spoke others listened. Yet, a more humble man I have never known. We who knew him reveled in his athletic feats and accomplishments but he never brought them up. Rick and I would brag about him, but Brent never did. Brent treated everyone the same. As we aged playing golf and cards was a way that he kept that super-competitive spirit engaged, but win or lose he was always gracious. He introduced me to Bob and Doug who have commented here and I know he thought the world of both of them. Brent, 'ol buddy boy, we are missing you. Our Homer gatherings will never be the same without you. The good Lord now has a great right hand man, punter, catcher and striker of the ball. RIP my friend. "
"I traveled with Brent on business trips several times and I always enjoyed visiting with him while he drove he always talked about his family and told story's about his life. He loved his mom and sisters Loved his Nebraska team and was proud to display it even when things went south Was so easy to work with and you could talk to him about anything without feeling judged. I will miss him dearly "
"My mom worked for him for all those years at Stormont and he was always so amazing to our family. I lost my mom in July and although she hadn't worked there for almost two years he still came for all her services meant a lot and have a great hug. Didn't know he was sick so sorry for your loss"
"BRENT WAS a GREAT BOSS.,WORKED for him13yrs. Like most people have said he was a GENTLE GIANT. I Remember getting called into the Office (a couple of times ) but he wasaalways Soft SPOKEN and made you Fill Bette after you Left. I never TOLD BRENT THIS BUT HE REMINDED ME IF JOHN WAYNE JUST BY THE WAY HE WALKED and Was a BIG MAN. BRENT YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN."
"Brent was a beautiful person inside and out and had a heart of gold. I thank God for the times we had together at a special time in our lives. He was excellent to my kids and will never forget all he did for us. We created some special memories that I hold dear to my heart. God took him away to soon but he now for sure is with the angels in heaven to watch over his family and friends. I know this does not help family and friends left behind and the void will never be replaced. God bless and keep you all. Brent, my dear friend, RIP and out of pain! But does not help the great loss for those left on earth. Brent, send them support during these rough times for those left behind. "
"I enjoyed working with Brent at Stormont Vail. I truly enjoyed or fellowship. He was a wonderful person and frield. Gerald Appelhans."
"Brent is the best friend from the best family ever. He has been a friend for over 40 years and I miss him already. We spoke on the phone every day for the last 30 days of his life. He said he had a great life and would not have changed a thing. You did it your way "big boy." Thanks for letting me be part of your life."
"Brent was a wonderful human being, friend and teammate. He lead with humility and action. I will always cherish my time with him and Coach Cletus Fischer as Brent honed his punting skills."
"Our world has lost one of the finest gentleman I have ever known. This easy going, giant of a man Always wore a smile and would brighten a room when he walked in. Always a kind word for everyone. Not only was he a gifted athlete but he was so humble. In the nearly 30 years of our friendship Not once did he mention his individual exploits in the football field. If you needed a friend, help, or just someone to lean on, Brent was there. In his professional career, Brent displayed a trait that isn't seen enough now days. He truly took a interest in his staff. He treated them like family. He mentored them, and helped them during through difficult times. When a staff lost a loved one, Brent was by their side, sharing their grief. Many associates who worked for Brent told me he was like a father to him. A Caring, caring, man that I have been honored to know and consider a close friend. We are all going to miss Brent, but heaven will welcome him."
"I extend my condolence for the loss of your loved one. I did not know him, but I do know the emotional pain and emptiness that a loss such as this brings. Take comfort in knowing that the Bible promises a resurrection of the righteous and unrighteous at Acts 24:15. That includes your beloved, Brent. This promise is not a dream, but a sure hope because "God does not lie" as stated at Numbers 23:19. To learn more about this wonderful promise answering the question "Can the Dead Really Live Again?", read or listen to this 1/2 page article by typing the following URL into your browser: tinyurl.com/mezwv23. I hope the cited scriptures will bring you comfort in the days ahead. "