Vicki Long

Vicki Lynn Long, 69, of Fergus Falls, passed away peacefully January 21, 2026 at Mayo in Rochester, MN. She was surrounded by her family.

Vicki was born on October 10, 1956 in Lisbon, North Dakota to Donald Norbert Lothspeich and Dolores Carol Lothspeich (Rapske). She was the second oldest of five kids. In her earlier years she attended Catholic school in Fargo, North Dakota, where she also attended church daily and later received her confirmation. During confirmation, she chose her catholic name, Marie. She was very proud of that name.

As she grew older, Vicki attended Fargo South High School where she would graduate a year early at the age of seventeen. Shortly after graduation, she moved out of her parents' home and entered the workforce. Not long after, she found herself living in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Where she would go on to have four children and eventually welcoming seven grandchildren. They were the highlight of her life. She lived for them. She would spend hours thinking of new ways to make them smile and feel loved. Like her hours and hours of decorating the grandchildren's Christmas gifts to look like Christmas characters. She didn't hold back when decorating them and every year was a new theme.

Vicki's life never came easy, she had a lot of hurdles in her life but she never let them stop her from living her life. Even when things got tough, she always made sure everyone around her was happy and taken care of. That was just in her nature. She was someone who gave it her all for the sake of others. Her giving heart led her to careers centered on helping others. She worked for Productive Alternatives helping disability people for many years. After welcoming her youngest two children, she opened her home to senior citizens. Vicki owned and operated Haven Manor, an adult foster care home for 17 years. She made sure that every resident that entered into her home was treated and cared for like family. She sold Haven Manor in 2010 so she could have more time with family.

Still driven to help others, she went on to work for Park Gardens helping to care for senior citizens. With her getting older she knew that she couldn't keep doing that forever. That is when she decided to try working from home in retail. That of course didn't last long as she missed being around people, so she began working at Slumberland in 2012. She worked there six days a week up until she was forced to retire because of her health in December of 2025. She enjoyed talking with her coworkers who became lifelong friends, and meeting all the amazing customers over the years. She truly loved her job.

Unfortunately, the last six years of her life she battled with her health. In and out of doctors' visits and hospital stays. Which never stopped her from doing things. She cherished time with family, fishing, researching family history, making wine, canning, and of course preparing her famous potato salad. She was always busy, always caring, and always finding joy in the simple things.

Vicki's love, generosity, and dedication to others will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Vicki Lynn Long is preceded in death by:

Parents: Donald and Dolores Lothspeich

Son: Taylor Robert Long

Several babies who went to Heaven too soon (Sons and Daughters)

Vicki Lynn Long is survived by:

Children:

April Scharnberg (Josh) of Fergus Falls, MN

Jason Eide (Lisa) of Detroit Lakes, MN

Ashley Schleske (Matt) of Fergus Falls, MN

Grandchildren:

Hannah Scharnberg

Julian Matter and Dameon Eide

Tucker Schleske, Cooper Schleske, Gunner Schleske and Sawyer Schleske

Vicki Lynn Long is also survived by:

Her Brothers: Mike Lothspeich (Sue), Jeff Lothspeich, Alan Lothspeich (Donna)

Her Sister: Cindy Seado (Paul)

Aunts: Anna Hagen (Larry), Darlene VanderPlaats

Uncle: Donald Rapske (Delores)

Numerous Nephews, Nieces, and Cousins

Service: 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 8, 2026 at Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service.

Clergy: Reverend Craig Palach

Interment: St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Friberg Township, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com