Michael (Mike) D. Delong (September 17, 1958 – April 18, 2024)
Dr. Michael (Mike) D. Delong passed away at the age of 65 on April 18, 2024, in Trempealeau, Wisconsin, following a brief battle with frontotemporal dementia.
Mike was born on September 17, 1958, at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, to Bobby and Donna (Massie) Delong. He is survived by his by his wife of 29 years, Robin, daughter Savannah, brother Bryan, sister Natasha (Gregory) Griffin, and his beloved dog, Nollie.
Mike graduated from Ocean Springs High School in 1976. After high school, Mike obtained an Associate's Degree in Biology from Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College, a Bachelor of Science in Marine Invertebrate Zoology from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Science in Invertebrate Zoology from Memphis State University, and a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Idaho.
After completing his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Louisville, Mike accepted a faculty appointment in the Biology Department at Winona State University (WSU) in Minnesota. He was an exceptional teacher, enthusiastic researcher, and valued colleague. In 1995, Mike established the Large River Studies Center at WSU where he mentored many undergraduate students (he stopped counting after 160) as well as serving as supervisor/committee member for numerous graduate students. He was also Chair of the Department of Biology at WSU for many years. Retiring in 2021, Mike was awarded Professor Emeritus from WSU.
Mike was an internationally known river scientist and a long-term member of the Society for Freshwater Science. During his career, Mike published over 100 peer-reviewed research papers, was the author/editor of eight books, and was the lead editor of the second edition of the book Rivers of North America. In 2019 he was awarded the International River Science Award for service to river science. Mike was also a founding editorial board member of the international journal River Research and Applications. During his career he successfully wrote and administered numerous research grants that benefited WSU, his undergraduate students, and their research. Mike travelled internationally and developed research collaborations (and friendships) in Austria, Australia, China, Germany, and New Zealand. Mike served on the boards of the Mississippi River Research Consortium and the International Society for River Science.
In his spare time, Mike enjoyed golfing, fishing, camping and being on the river. A dear colleague and friend who will be missed but not forgotten.
— Martin Thoms, University of New England, Australia