Mars Longden

(1943 - October 4, 2014)

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Marsden "Mars" Longden of Evanston, IL (1943-2014), beloved husband, best friend, and partner of wife Sanna in both dance and in life, died suddenly and unexpectedly on October 4th, 2014 at Evanston Hospital at the age of 71. Along with Sanna, Mars was a celebrated world dance educator who taught and performed in the U.S. and around the globe, and led a popular Evanston-based international dance group for over 30 years. He also took great joy in singing, and performed as a tenor with numerous local theatrical and opera groups. Mars was also a trusted financial planner and the co-founder of Folkstyle Productions, which provides resources for dance education. Mars is survived by wife Sanna Longden; stepson Michael Hans and wife Ellen Damlich; stepdaughter Jessica Lawless and partner Von Edwards; sister-in-law Judy Roth; nephew Jason Roth and sons Jake and Tyler; niece Kaela (Roth) Rowe, husband Kelly Rowe and son Davin Rowe; cousins Chuck Meserau, Joe and Kay Coley, John and Rebekah Coley, Jim and Renee Coley, Mike and Kristen Coley, and their children Elena, Maya, Tom, Jake and Claudia. A celebration of Mars' life will be held on Saturday, October 25th from 6:00 - 9:00 pm at the Lake Street Church of Evanston, 607 Lake Street in Evanston, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mars' name may be made to the Tree House Humane Society (www.treehouseanimals.org) or The Greater Chicago Food Depository (www.chicagosfoodbank.org). Arrangements entrusted to the Cremation Society of Illinois, for more information, please call 800-622-8358.