Locke Funeral Services

Locke Funeral Services It is our purpose to fairly, honestly, and compassionately offer our help to individuals planning before their funeral and families at the time of death

It is our purpose to fairly, honestly, and compassionately offer our help. We offer our help not only to families at a time of death, but also to individuals in planning before the funeral. Our help is available after the funeral through a wide range of services and resources. It is also evident in our involvement in the community. We believe we have a responsibility in helping people make the rig

ht decisions for themselves by providing information and explaining options which are available. When a decision is reached, our help is available to carry out your instructions. In 1945, C.P. Locke pledged that we would be "Where your wishes govern." That same pledge holds true today, as we offer a four-generation commitment to Integrity, Service, and Excellence. We measure our success by your satisfaction in our help.

If planning ahead feels daunting, you’re not alone. That’s why Locke offers tools that let you move at your own pace, wh...
06/22/2026

If planning ahead feels daunting, you’re not alone. That’s why Locke offers tools that let you move at your own pace, whether you want to learn privately first or talk things through with our team.

You can explore options and costs in the Planning Center, and families can also collaborate through tools like the Collaboration Portal to organize details and share information together.

Explore the Planning Center: https://www.lockefuneralservices.com/locke-planning-center

At Locke, care doesn’t end when the service does. We continue supporting families through grief resources, a Continuous ...
06/19/2026

At Locke, care doesn’t end when the service does. We continue supporting families through grief resources, a Continuous Care Coordinator, and local support groups. Grief is a journey, and you shouldn’t have to walk it alone.

If you’ve been thinking, “I’m not sure I’m doing this right,” please hear this: there’s no single “right way” to grieve. Support is available.

See upcoming meetings + resources: https://www.lockefuneralservices.com/how-we-help/grieving-resources/local-grief-support

One thing we hear all the time in planning conversations is: “I didn’t know we could do that.”  A meaningful goodbye doe...
06/15/2026

One thing we hear all the time in planning conversations is: “I didn’t know we could do that.”

A meaningful goodbye doesn’t have to fit a single template. Some families want a traditional service, others prefer a celebration of life, and many want something in between—like a gathering after cremation, a unique location, or personal touches that truly reflect the person being honored.

If you’re curious about what’s possible, we’re here to chat.

Start exploring: https://lockefuneralservices.vgmforbin.com/funeral-planning/planning-options

Pre-planning isn’t about staring down mortality. It’s about telling your story—the music you love, the people who shaped...
06/12/2026

Pre-planning isn’t about staring down mortality. It’s about telling your story—the music you love, the people who shaped you, the memories that matter, your spirituality (or lack thereof), and the details that make you, you. Those pieces can guide decisions later and bring real comfort to the people you love.

When you meet with Locke, it’s a relaxed, no-pressure conversation. There’s no checklist you have to complete in one sitting. You don’t have to have all the answers today.

Learn about advance planning: https://www.lockefuneralservices.com/funeral-planning/planning-options/advance-funeral-planning

Grief doesn’t come with a script — for them or for you.These tips offer simple ways to care, listen, and support without...
06/10/2026

Grief doesn’t come with a script — for them or for you.

These tips offer simple ways to care, listen, and support without overthinking it →

It can be hard to know how to support a loved one who's grieving, but you don't need the perfect words. Read our guide for the best ways to be there when they need you most.

Many adults try to protect children from grief by avoiding the topic, but kids still feel the absence, the changes, and ...
06/08/2026

Many adults try to protect children from grief by avoiding the topic, but kids still feel the absence, the changes, and the emotions around them. It’s okay to talk about death with children in a clear, gentle, age-appropriate way. Using simple language and inviting questions builds trust and helps kids feel safer.

If a child may attend a visitation or service, it can help to explain what they’ll see ahead of time, give them choices (like taking breaks), and let them participate in a small way if they want to.

If you’re unsure how to navigate discussing death with your children, we’re here to offer support.

Explore grief resources: https://www.lockefuneralservices.com/how-we-help/grieving-resources/local-grief-support

Want to support someone who just lost a loved one, but aren’t sure what to say? What means the most are often the simple...
06/05/2026

Want to support someone who just lost a loved one, but aren’t sure what to say? What means the most are often the simplest of acts.

Show up (even briefly). Use their loved one’s name. Offer specific help (“Can I bring dinner Tuesday?”). Keep checking in after the first couple weeks. And don’t try to “fix” their grief, your presence is the support.

If your family is navigating a loss and needs guidance on what comes next, our team is here to help.

Contact Locke Funeral Home: https://www.lockefuneralservices.com/contact-us

Summer can bring gatherings, graduations, Father’s Day, and long weekends. These moments are meant to feel bring excitem...
06/01/2026

Summer can bring gatherings, graduations, Father’s Day, and long weekends. These moments are meant to feel bring excitement, but can feel heavy when someone you love is missing.

If you’re noticing grief showing up more strongly this season, you’re not alone. Locke offers ongoing support through our Continuous Care program, including grief support group meetings, and additional support groups for survivors of su***de.
Whether your loss is recent or years ago, you’re welcome to join. Feel free to bring a friend—groups are free and open to the public.

Learn more and see upcoming meetings: https://www.lockefuneralservices.com/how-we-help/grieving-resources/local-grief-support

It’s easy to push the funeral planning discussion down the road as another day’s problem. But when no funeral plan exist...
05/29/2026

It’s easy to push the funeral planning discussion down the road as another day’s problem. But when no funeral plan exists, family and friends are often left with urgent decisions, unexpected expenses, and the emotional strain of trying to guess what their loved one would have wanted—all while navigating their own grief.

Understanding what can happen when there’s no plan in place can help families feel more confident about taking the first step in planning ahead.

We’ve compiled a list of how lack of planning can impact loved ones after a death:

When a loved one passes without a funeral plan, families are left to make tough decisions during an already emotional time. Planning ahead is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give to your family. Learn what happens when there’s no plan in place, and how to protect the people you love.

When a child experiences loss, words don’t always come easily, both for the child and their caregivers. Children’s pictu...
05/27/2026

When a child experiences loss, words don’t always come easily, both for the child and their caregivers.

Children’s picture books can gently open conversations about grief, love, and remembrance—without pressure or overwhelm.

We’ve gathered 8 trusted children’s books that many families find comforting after a loss. If you’re supporting a child through grief, these stories may help create moments of understanding and connection.

Read the full list here: https://ow.ly/ExZe50YULNk

These top-performing children's books about grief can help parents and caretakers provide reassurance and start conversations with their child after a loss.

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1519 W 4th Street
Waterloo, IA
50702

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