William "Bill" Dulong

William "Bill" J. DuLong, 83, of Chisholm, MN, went to his Heavenly home on Monday, August 1, 2022 at Miller-Dwan Palliative Care Unit in Duluth, MN.  He was born in Hibbing on November 13, 1938 to William and Maybelle (Haugan) DuLong.  On September 2, 1961, Bill married Diane Halberg in Nashwauk, MN and would have celebrated 61 years of marriage on September 2nd.

Bill loved God’s outdoors.  His favorite activities included hunting (both bow and rifle), fishing, canoeing, camping, inventing, photography, cooking, traveling, mentoring young men through outdoor adventures, and anything to do with his family whom he treasured.  Bill was a devoted and loving husband, “Super Man” of a dad, a gentle Papa, and a loyal friend.  He taught his “Four Girls” what it means to love and be generous with people, how to enjoy God’s creation, how to laugh, and especially the importance of putting Almighty God first in their lives.  He was an active member of Chisholm Baptist Church and served as a Trustee, Usher, and as a Boys Club Leader.

Bill was a Veteran, serving proudly in the Minnesota National Guard Infantry, the U.S. Army Reserve Engineers, and is a member of the Chisholm American Legion, Post 247. He also was a proud member of the Sons of Norway.

Bill completed over 30 years at the National, MA Hanna, and Butlers mines as well as 4 years at Mesabi Iron Range Railroad, and 3 years at J&J Castings.

He is survived by his wife, Diane, who was the one and only true love of his life for over 60 years, his daughters Pamela (Kenneth) Magawa of Chisholm, MN, and Penny (Mark) Vlasich of Balkan, MN, his only granddaughter Nicole Vlasich of Balkan, MN, a brother-in-law James Halberg of Buhl, MN whom Bill loved as a son, and numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two younger brothers Richard DuLong and Steve DuLong.

Grateful thanks to the compassionate staff on 9 West of St. Mary’s Hospital and the Palliative Care Unit on the 5th floor of Miller-Dwan, Duluth.  Dr. Dean Fox, a caring professional, walked our family through Bill’s final 35-day journey; Dr. Brian Wasserman contributed greatly to Bill’s care; and Chaplain Tom supported us spiritually and we want to note our deep appreciation to all three.

Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at the Chisholm Baptist Church.  Pastor Dan Erickson will be officiating.  Visitation begins one hour before at 10:00 a.m. Mid-Range Honor Guard will accord military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider giving a gift specified for the “Elevator Fund” at the Chisholm Baptist Church.  Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. To view the livestream of Bill's service please visit https://www.chisholmbaptist.org/