Jack R. Locke, funeral director, joined Locke Funeral Home in 1973 after graduating from The University of Minnesota with a bachelor degree in Mortuary Science. A life long resident of Waterloo, Jack attended Whittier School, West Junior High and graduated from West High School in 1969. “In the last 50+ years I have seen many changes to the community. I have also seen dramatic changes in the way we assist families at a time of death. The constant, though, is the values we adhere to which have been passed down from my grandfather and father. Respect, dignity, professionalism, and above all compassion and caring. These values we try to infuse into everything we do. I am humbled and grateful to have been able to learn these values and in turn pass them down to my children Eric and Elizabeth, and in fact our entire staff, who are continuing that legacy in our work. ”

Eric J. Locke, funeral director, joined Locke Funeral Home full time in 2001 after graduating from Kansas City Kansas Community College with a degree in Mortuary Science. Eric began working for Locke Funeral Home while attending Hoover Intermediate School washing cars, mowing the lawn and other building maintenance tasks. He graduated from West High School in 1996 and the University of Northern Iowa with a B.A. in Business Management in 2000. Eric earned the Eagle Scout Award from Boy Scouts in 1993. He is a classroom volunteer with Junior Achievement. He is a Past Exalted Ruler of Waterloo Elks Lodge #290, is past Chair of the Board of Directors for Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – Iowa, and currently serves on the Otto Schoitz Foundation board. “I have had the opportunity growing up to learn from my father and grandfather and to witness first hand the way in which they helped families who placed their trust in Locke Funeral Home. This unique learning experience has helped to shape me not only as a funeral director, but also as a person. I have developed a great deal of respect for the level of trust that people place in Locke Funeral Home when calling on us to help them in their time of need.”

If you run into Beth Locke outside of work, you’ll most likely find her kayaking, biking, gardening, or walking her brown dog, Gromit—anything outside. As for work, she recently became a licensed funeral director. But, being a Locke, she’s certainly not new to the Locke Funeral Services team. “Growing up, the funeral home was just ‘going to grandma’s and grandpa’s,’” Beth said. “I grew up at Locke on Fourth. It was just a comforting place for me. It still is.” Still, it took Beth a bit of time before she realized she wanted to go into the family business full time. After high school, she attended college and received a degree in aviation science and, to this day, holds a commercial pilot’s license. She also holds an associate degree in horticulture and, most recently, a degree in mortuary science. Beth lived in various states during her time away, including Missouri and Colorado. She returned to the Cedar Valley in 2014.

Rick A. Hulstein, has been a funeral director with Locke Funeral Home since 1999. Growing up in northwest Iowa and moving to the Cedar Valley to join Locke Funeral Home has been a great experience. Since my wife and I moved here, this has become home to us and our children. As a director for Locke Funeral Home, I have had the privilege of working with three of the four generations of the Locke Family. It is a family committed to serving families at a time when it matters most. The standard is “Where your wishes Govern”. I am proud to be a part of this and provide the service families have learned to trust over the years.

Michelle grew up in Arthur, Iowa, and graduated from Odebolt-Arthur High School. She earned her Associate of Arts degree from Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville and graduated in 1996 from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Illinois. She completed her internship and has been a licensed Funeral Director in the Cedar Valley area since 1996. Michelle joined Kearns Funeral Service in 2004. She and her husband, Terrance, along with their two daughters, Jasmyn and Jaidyn, moved to La Porte City in 2007, where she began managing La Porte City Funeral Service, part of Kearns Funeral Service, now Locke Funeral Services. She stays actively involved in her community, having served as past president of the La Porte City Women’s Club, and she is an active member of the American Lutheran Church. In 2012, she was named La Porte City Woman of the Year. Michelle enjoys being an integral part of the performing arts activities in the Cedar Valley, currently serving on the Board of Directors for Friends of the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, part of the University of Northern Iowa. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and friends, cooking, and traveling to warm destinations.

Zachary L. Smith has been a funeral director with Locke Funeral Home since 2015. Zach was born and raised in the Cedar Valley, growing up in Cedar Falls and graduating from Cedar Falls High School in 2006. He earned his B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communications from the University of Iowa in 2010. Zach continued his education at Des Moines Area Community College where he earned his degree in Mortuary Science in 2013. Upon completion of his apprenticeship, Zach was able to remain in his home community when he joined Locke Funeral Home in 2015. He lives in Cedar Falls with his wife, Lindsey, and their children, Hayden, Leila, and twins, Bobbi and Brooklyn. He is a big supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes. He enjoys exercise and fitness, listening to vinyl records and podcasts, and tending to his garden in the summer. Zach served on the board of the Hudson Chamber of Commerce from 2019-2023, where he served as president from 2019-2021. He is also a board member of Cedar Valley Jaycees, member of Waterloo Elks BPO #290 and volunteer coach of the Little Pirates Wrestling Club in Hudson.

Jonathan W. Judd, joined our full-time staff October 1, 2016. Jon graduated from Union High School in La Porte City with the Class of 2011, completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Family Services from the University of Northern Iowa in 2015 and earned an Advanced Standing Diploma in Mortuary Science from Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa in 2016. Jon and his wife Chelsea, along with their children Ian and Iyla, live near Rowley, Iowa. In his spare time, Jon enjoys, hunting, trout fishing and going on road trips.

Paul A. Smith, FD, is a native of West Des Moines. He holds an AAA Degree in Photography from Hawkeye Community College, a BA in Economics and Finance from the University of Northern Iowa and an Advanced Diploma in Mortuary Science from Des Moines Area Community College. Paul spent his first career in the automotive industry as a retail auto service center manager for Goodyear. He got his calling into funeral service later in life. Paul is an avid Corvette fan and a member of Cedar Falls Lion’s Club, Cedar Valley Corvette Club and Cyclone Corvette Club. He has been a Funeral Director since 2008 serving families in Waterloo, Ames, Ankeny, West Des Moines and Harlan, Iowa. He joined Locke Funeral Services after experiencing many different styles of ownership. As a person who strives to be the best he can be, joining Locke Funeral Services proved a natural fit. Paul is ready to provide the families we serve with compassion and understanding. The son of a deceased retired Air Force Major, Paul, takes extra care and pride in serving the families of a deceased veteran. He and his wife Gina live in Cedar Falls and are the proud parents of twin boys, Austin of Ankeny, IA and Grant who serves with the US Navy. A Blue Star Flag flies daily in front of their Cedar Falls home.

Kenzie R. Suhr, CFSP, joined Locke Funeral Services in September 2023. Born and raised in Central Illinois, Kenzie earned her Mortuary Science degree from Carl Sandburg College and earned her degree in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing from the University of Florida. Prior to joining Locke, she spent 8 years with the Butler Family of Organizations serving families throughout Central Illinois as a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator, and Certified Celebrant. Kenzie became a Certified Crematory Operator in 2017, graduated from the InSight Institute as a Certified Celebrant in 2022, earned her accreditation as a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner with the Academy of Professional Service Practice in 2025, and is currently enrolled in Selected Independent’s Leadership Academy. Kenzie is a member of the Sigma Phi Sigma Mortuary Fraternity, National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), Illinois Funeral Directors Association (IFDA), Cremation Association of North America (CANA), Selected Independent Funeral Home (SIFH), and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. She shares her home with her husband, Dylan, their daughter, and golden retriever. Kenzie enjoys golfing, keeping up with her family, being outdoors doing yard work, and traveling—particularly to her second home, Florida. Kenzie is honored and privileged to serve the Cedar Valley as she strives to help families mourn the death of their loved one and celebrate their life with dignity and respect and with genuine care and concern for survivors.

Gregory J. Counsell joined Locke Funeral Services in August of 2025, as a licensed Funeral Director. He began his career in Funeral Service in 2007, working for a funeral home in Des Moines, while attending Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny. Greg received his Advanced Standing Diploma in Mortuary Science in 2008. As a Funeral Director, he has worked for several funeral homes in Iowa. Greg, his wife Nichole, and their four children live in Waterloo. His faith and his family are very important to him. Greg is an avid Chicago Cubs fan.

Mike Walden has been an advanced planning and aftercare consultant with Locke Funeral Home since 2012. Prior to joining the Locke Funeral Home Family, Mike had worked twenty plus years in his local family business. He graduated from Waterloo West High School and the University of Iowa with a BBA in finance and marketing. Mike currently is a Grow Cedar Valley Ambassador and is president of the Waterloo Elmwood Cemetery Association. He is a past President of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance and Chamber Ambassadors and Cedar Falls Community Main Street. Mike has also been involved with numerous civic, non-profit, and philanthropic organizations. Mike and his wife, Michelle, live in Waterloo. He has three bonus daughters and four bonus grandchildren. “Growing up in a family retail business was an incredible learning experience. My father taught me a great deal about customer service and how to earn the trust of people. Incorporating this experience has made my transition into the Locke Funeral Home Family seamless. The family and staff at Locke Funeral Home are all about doing the best for the families they serve at their time of need and beyond. It is my privilege to work with such an outstanding group of people.”

Bethany was born and raised in Waterloo and is a graduate of Waterloo West High School. She attended the University of Northern Iowa, and Upper Iowa University, receiving Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. Bethany joined Locke Funeral Services in 2021 and serves as director of catering and gatherings. Outside of work, Bethany spends her time with family and friends, often spending weekends in Minnesota. She volunteers for Cedar Valley Hospice, enjoys catching up on a good book or movie, and loves their two family dogs. She and her husband, Shane, were married in 2008 and she has two stepchildren, who both currently serve in the U.S. Army.

James Roberts has been with Locke Funeral Home since 2012. James grew up in Cedar Falls, graduating from Cedar Falls High School in 2010. He started working at Locke part-time while attending college, washing vehicles and helping with the grounds keeping. After a couple of years, he began to take on some bookkeeping duties. Upon graduating in 2015, James went full-time in a bookkeeping/accounting role. James is an Eagle Scout, and active in several community organizations.

Ann grew up in Waterloo and graduated from Columbus High School. She has lived in Cedar Falls for over 41 years. Ann joined Locke Funeral Services in January of 2022 after enjoying 18 years with Proforma Xtreme. She is the proud mother of 2 daughters Nichole & Jennifer and 1 son Zachary. She is also very proud of her 3 granddaughters Payten Marie, Baylee Anna & Taytem Ryan, she has enjoyed attending their events from school concerts to sporting events. She also loves to take walks with her walking partner, her grand dog Finley Rae. Ann enjoys working at Locke’s, the staff is awesome and the environment is wonderful. She is proud to say she works at Locke Funeral Services.

Born and raised in the Cedar Valley area, Lorraine came to us in 2005 with an extensive background of customer service knowledge and creativity to assist families of various backgrounds. She enjoys helping them find the best way to celebrate and remember the lives of their loved ones. Lorraine enjoys what she does because of the families she meets and the stories they share about their loved ones. She also says, “It’s so nice to work with great people who share the same values and feelings in serving families, oftentimes generation after generation.”

Carol grew up in Waterloo and Traer. She graduated from North Tama High School. Carol worked in the photography field for over 25 years and continues to take photos as it is her passion. Carol and her husband Dave live outside of Denver, IA. She enjoys photography, wildlife, fishing, gardening, her cats, and Dave! She joined Kearns Funeral Service as an office manager in 2018.

Whitney joined Locke Funeral Home in February 2018 as an Office Manager. She has a background of working in various customer service and corporate jobs. Nevertheless, she has found her niche. She has enjoyed building relationships with the families we serve and working for a family owned business. Whitney graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2014 where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing Management

Sue was born in Topeka, Kansas and raised in Waterloo, Ia. She attended Kaplan University receiving an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Medical Assisting. Sue has worked in customer service and the Medical field for many years. She loves spending time with her 5 Children and 9 Grandchildren. Hobbies are embroidering, crafting and gardening. Sue and her husband Greg enjoy spending time at their Holiday Lake property in the summer months.

Marcus joined Locke Funeral Services in 2023. Marcus started working part time as a Funeral Attendant. Marcus quickly found a place of purpose. A Waterloo native and West High School graduate of 2002, he earned his BA in Human Resource Management from Upper Iowa University in 2020. He treasures time with his family and enjoys traveling, taking long walks, and bicycle rides, and going on short road trips.

The Rev. Vicki Jolene Reece “Pastor Vicki” graduated from Northern Illinois University with a B.S. in Child Development. She then graduated from United Methodist’s Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois with an emphasis in Pastoral Care and ordained in 1984. She served churches in Lansing and Wheaton, Illinois, working in youth and young adult ministries. She met her late husband Wendel while performing his brother’s wedding. They married and moved to Florida where she worked in the Office of Communication for the Catholic Diocese of Orlando as a producer and writer for the television show, “Real to Real.” She also served as a pastor in Sanford, Florida. Since 2000, she has been a pastor in Cedar Falls, Eldora and Jesup. She has companioned individuals and families through the joys of birth, the blessings and challenges of family life, illnesses, and death. She retired in 2017 before beginning her position of Continuous Care Grief Coordinator for Locke Funeral Services, Waterloo, in 2021. Vicki is proud to be a UNI Panther. Wendel retired from UNI in 2019 and both their daughters graduated from UNI. She has emceed at Sturgis Falls in Overman Park for fifteen years.