Will DeLong

January 16, 1974 - November 13, 2024

Life-long Humboldt County resident, Will DeLong, age 50, passed away on November 13, 2024 in Reno, Nevada.
Will DeLong was born January 16, 1974 in Winnemucca, Nevada, to John and Judy DeLong.
He joined sisters Christy and Jhona on Trout Creek Ranch, becoming part of the fifth generation of family ranchers on the Jackson Mountains.
Along with his sisters and cousins, Will’s younger years were filled with the adventures of ranch kids. 
Will started school at home at Trout Creek, attended the one-room Jackson Mountain School, and graduated from Albert M. Lowry High School with the Class of 1992.
Will wrestled in Jr. High and High School and was a member of the Humboldt County High School Rodeo Club, competing in steer wrestling, tie down roping, team roping and cutting where he won the Nevada State HS Rodeo Championship in Steer Wresting in 1992.
After high school, he attended the College of Southern Idaho and Treasure Valley Community College as a college rodeo athlete.
He earned his Associate’s Degree in Ag Business in 1995. He was also active in team brandings, stock horse competitions, and ranch rodeos.
It was during this time in 1998 that he met and began dating the love-of-his-life, Katie Marvel.
They were married on June 1, 2002 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Winnemucca, Nevada, and began their life together at Jackson Creek Ranch, ranching and raising high-quality Natural Red Angus cattle.
Will and Katie had three children: son William “Billy,” daughter Matti, and daughter Louise.
Will considered his three children to be his greatest accomplishment.
He taught his children to never give up, stay positive, work hard, and always do their best.
He was a wonderful husband and amazing father who loved his family so much. Will was a hard-working cattle rancher his entire life and loved his horses, cattle and lifestyle.
Will was an avid reader, loved spending time with his family and loved watching his kids compete in Jr. High and High School Rodeo as well as other activities and sports such as wrestling, dance and basketball.
He was their biggest supporter and helper, providing them with any opportunity that he could.
Will was an adult director for the Humboldt County High School Rodeo Club for many years and helped numerous kids and families at the rodeos. Will was a board member for the Nevada N-2 Ag Board, a board member for the Nevada Cattlemen’s and active in other associations in the cattle industry.
He was President of his family-owned business, DeLong Ranches, Inc., which was honored numerous times by the Red Angus Association for their high-quality cattle. Will was loved and adored by many and will be greatly missed.
Will is survived by his wife of 22 years, Katie DeLong.
His son Billy and daughters, Matti and Louise DeLong.
By his parents, John and Judy DeLong, and in-laws, Mike and Theresa Marvel. By sisters, Christy Wright and Jhona (John) Bell. By brother-in-law, Matt (Mary) Marvel, and sister-in-law, Jamie (Matt) Melarkey.
His nephews and nieces: Trase, Quint and Cade Bell, Monte (Elizabeth) Stanton, Sophie Stanton, Trissa Wright, Ben, Macy and Michael “Amigo” Marvel, Anna, Lily and Maisie Melarkey. And two great nephews, Wayde and Teller Stanton.
Will is also survived by a large extended family and many good friends.
The Celebration of Life for Will DeLong will be at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Winnemucca, Nevada with a Rosary (Thursday, November 21st at 6pm) and a Funeral Mass (Friday, November 22nd at 11am).
A Reception will be at the Winnemucca Event Center (Friday, November 22nd at 2pm).
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to help other cowboys in crisis at:
WSRRA Foundation, C/O Strong Will, 5530 W. Rose Creek Rd, Winnemucca, NV 89445. Or in Will’s memory to St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Winnemucca, Nevada or to a charity of your choice.