Robert Longhenry
January 4, 1932 ~ October 9, 2012
Robert Royal Longhenry passed away in the early morning of Tuesday October 9, 2012 at Sanford Hospital Palliative Care Unit.
He was born on January 4, 1932 in St Paul MN to Royal and Mayken Longhenry. He Graduated from North St Paul High School in 1950, earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1955 and began work for Honeywell. In 1958 he became a member of the NDSU Electrical Engineering faculty in Fargo, ND. He continued his studies, while teaching at NDSU, and received an MS from the U of M in 1963. He married Patricia Ginnaty on June 1, 1963 and started 49 years together. He completed his doctoral course work at Northwestern University while on a NSF grant and returned to teach at NDSU, receiving the Robert Odney Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1988, until his retirement in 1991.
He had a great passion for the gladiolus flower that started in 4H where his mentor Gus Sindt taught him how to hybridize the flowers. He was Vice President of the Minnesota Gladiolus Society for more than 20 years. He was a founding member of the Fargo-Moorhead Horticulture Society, a member of the North American Gladiolus Society and a life member of the Winnipeg Gladiolus and Dahlia Society. He introduced numerous gladioli that are now commercially grown: About Face, Patricia Ann, Glogirl, Lingerie and Rose Punch. He won numerous awards; the most recent being Grand Champion of the Minnesota State Fair in 2011 and the NAGC Gold Medal in 2012.
While he achieved much in his life and received many honors and awards, family was always first. He is survived by his loving wife Patricia, children Mary Beth Brees and Dan (Sheri) Longhenry, grandchildren Alyssa Brees, Mark and Abby Longhenry, great grandchild Morgan Kummeth and two brothers: Edward (Jayne) and Donald.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Bismarck ND
I was one of his students back in the late 70’s. He was one of the best instructors I had at ND
SU. I just heard of his passing from another former student of his. Everyone thought he was a great guy.
I did not know he was into plant breeding, I wish I could have talked to him about that as this is an interest that I did not realize that we both shared.
Fargo ND
Dan and Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. I will have you in my thoughts and prayers.
ELGIN MN
Our sympathy to Bob’s family. We were very happy to see Bob ad Pat at the Gladiolus Show at Honker Flats in Sept. of 2012. We will remember Bob as a humble and generous guy.
Dear Pat and family, we were very sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. We always enjoyed his quick smile and generous spirit at the many Gladiolus functions. We will miss him and will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Middle River MN
We just returned home from attending the funeral for Bob. What a fitting Tribute to a wonderful man and friend. The visitation and prayer service Thursday night was so special with family and friends sharing their memories of Bob. We were pleased to share flowers from the Minnesota
Gladiolus Society. Our glads had been cut since September 10th, and only a few remained- two seedlings hybridized by Bob. It just so happened that last week our mutual friends and hybridizers near Rochester, John and Barb Meyer, were surprised to find over 200 wonderful glads, not ruined by frost. They were sent to us for an upcomming program and for use at the MN
State Poultry Show, little did any of us know that Bob would be called “HOME” and the “last of the season” glads would be used for the Glory of God. But like the Fish and loaves of Bread there are still some glads to use.
We have been Blessed to have known Bob. We send our Love to Pat and family, and our Gladiolus Friends across the country. Love always Lew, Tammy, and Marcus Wallace
My Deepest Sympathy to Bob’s Family.
Elgin, ILOur Sincerest Sympathy to Pat and all the family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bob will be missed and always remembered by all in the Gladiolus World.
Verona WisconsinMay he rest in Peace!
Winnipeg ManitobaWe had the pleasure of Bob’s company at the numerous Winnipeg Gladiolus and Dahlia Society shows that he attended to show his glorious glads in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
His love and expertise of glads inspired our interest and to this day Murray plants and cares for many glads.(even have a few that Bob hybridized).
Bob’s legacy WILL last forever.
Bob will be missed.
Corpus Christi TexasMy thoughts and prayers go out to you
Pat in Bob’s passing. I was your neighbor at #2 – you both where the best neighbors one could ever have. I have the squirral flower pot hanger on my home here on my deck that you and Bob gave me when I moved and sold the house. Again you are in my thoughts and prayers. Kent Nudell
middle River Minnesota
I am very sorry about bobs passing. I always had a great time visiting and working with him at the glad shows. he will be missed. i will not be able to attend his funeral, so hugs from marcus to pat, i hope to see you soon
Fargo ND
Sending the Longhenry family sympathy and prayers with the loss of Bob.
Moorhead MN
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I certainly will miss him at Horticulture Club. He was such a kind and friendly person. I am sure he will be greatly missed by many.
I just read Professor Longhenry’s obituary. He kept me going in electrical engineering after my mother passed away. I took a quarter off to tend to mom’s affairs. He tutored me in circuits to keep me going that quarter. I as always grateful for that special attention. He really cared for his students.