NASBLA mourns the loss of Pauline Grace Longnecker, age 64, who passed away on March 9, 2019.
She was born in Council Bluffs Iowa on August 1, 1954 to the late Roland and Regina (Nusser) Zuch. She is survived by her husband, Ron Longnecker; brother, Charles Zuch (Beverly); sisters, LaVon Brockman and Janet Henke (Robert); nieces, nephews, and a host of other family and friends.
Pauline and Ron joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary 31 years ago in 1988. Both were very active in Operations, Public Education, and Vessel exams. They held the offices of Division Commander and District Captain.
Pauline received 64 awards from the Coast Guard Auxiliary during her time as a member. The most recent and top five awards included USCG Auxiliary Award of Operational Merit, USCG Auxiliary Commendation Medal (2), USCG Auxiliary Achievement Medal, USCG Auxiliary Commandant’s Letter of Commendation(5), and Recreational Boating Safety Device (achieved expertise in recreational boating safety).
As an Auxiliarist, Pauline developed a professional and vital partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) by teaching seven years at the NASBLA Leadership Academy. Her passion for boating safety encompassed every part of her life and Auxiliary career.
Pauline also had a thirst for knowledge and became a Boat Crew Coxswain, Qualifying Examiner, Team Coordination Training Facilitator, and Finger Print Technician. Pauline also held the office of President of the Past Division Commanders Association. Pauline was the Division Chief-District Liaison Officer, Branch Chief-Atlantic West Region, and Aid Verifier for recreational boating safety.
Pauline was the State Liaison officer for Iowa and worked closely with Boating Law Administrators to deliver classroom education courses, Governor-supported State Proclamations during National Safe Boating Week and boating safety messages delivered to Iowa State Parks.
Pauline showed a great commitment to service during her Auxiliary career. She was a mentor and a friend and will be dearly missed.
Cards of encouragement can be sent to: Ron Longnecker, 122 E Main Street, Treynor, IA 51575. Family will direct Memorials.