Merissa Jo Long, 22, of Waterloo, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital in Waterloo.

She was born on March 15, 2003, in Waterloo, daughter of Elton Long and Amy Alcott. She graduated from Waterloo East High School in 2021.

Merissa recently started a new job at Kwik Star in Evansdale.

She was an animal lover and enjoyed reading books. She also played softball when she was younger and had a great sense of humor.

Merissa is survived by her mother, Amy Pattison of Palmetto, FL; father, Elton (Cori) Long of Waterloo; two brothers, Seth (Tayler) Long of Jesup, and Connor Long of Evansdale; a nephew, Granger Long; a niece, Madden Long; paternal grandmother, Linda Long of Waterloo; maternal grandparents, Cindy Brady of Evansdale and Ronald Thompson of Waterloo; and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Jim Brady; and paternal grandfather, Bill Long.

A celebration of life gathering will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Avenue, Waterloo. An additional celebration of life will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Lofty's Lounge, 3480 Lafayette Road, Evansdale, beginning at 4:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the Cedar Bend Humane Society. Locke at Tower Park is assisting the family.

Locke at Tower Park, 319-233-3146.