Janan Timmer grew up and now lives in La Porte City, Iowa, where she works as a commercial lines insurance agent. Family has always been a big part of her life. And when she’s not working, you’ll find her spending time with them—whether it’s a family meal or a trip. When the time came to say goodbye to her grandmother, Ruby Sides, and father, Richard Sides, she wanted to know they were in good hands—she knew she could count on Locke’s.
“We lost my grandma and dad within months of each other,” Janan said. “I knew about Locke Funeral Services from their great reputation in the community. I had attended Locke’s services for friends and saw the professionalism firsthand. I knew I could trust them and their staff.”
Janan noted that from pre-planning to the actual funeral services, the Locke’s team was always accessible and made her and her family feel at ease. Every decision was made on the family’s time, and Locke’s was always supportive.
“When my brothers, mom, and I exited the nursing home about 12:30 a.m. the night my grandma passed, my cellphone rang,” Janan said. “It was Eric Locke. And we knew we were going to be well taken care of.”
Born in North Carolina, Janan’s grandma had a lifelong wish of “going back home” as she would say. Locke’s was there to help make that wish come true.
“Eric Locke and the Locke team had to coordinate with the funeral director in North Carolina,” Janan said. “They orchestrated the logistics of helping bring Grandma’s lifelong wish of ‘going back home’ to fruition. She would be so happy knowing everything went smoothly and as she planned.”
Locke’s was also there to help guide Janan and her family when her father passed. He fought lymphoma and leukemia for 14 years. And though he spent a large amount of time in and out of hospitals, he was home, wrapped in his wife’s arms, when he passed.
“As we stood on the front porch that sunny November morning, it felt surreal, as if we were watching a movie,” Janan said. “As they took Dad down the small hill and loaded him in the black hearse, our hearts broke. But we had a sense of calm knowing that Dad was in good hands.”
Janan and her family were touched by how professional and personable every interaction was with Locke’s, from phone calls and emails to in-person meetings. She and her family appreciated how available Locke’s was for all their questions, and that they were always given as much time as they needed. But most of all, it was the respect Locke’s showed that really stuck with her.
“The biggest takeaway from working with Locke Funeral Services,” Janan said, “was the sense of dignity they provided for both my grandma and dad, as well as respect for our family and our wishes at one of the most important times in our lives. We were lucky to have Locke walk us through these difficult times.”
If you need any funeral services, please contact Locke Funeral Services by calling 319-233-6138. Our staff is ready to assist you with any of your needs.
