If you ask a kindergartner what they want to be when they grow up, you might expect to hear responses like a superhero, a movie star, or a professional athlete. When Eric Locke, funeral director at Locke Funeral Services, was in kindergarten, though, he had a less common response.
“From kindergarten on, I always knew I wanted to be a funeral director,” Eric said. “My dad still has the letter I wrote him in sixth grade asking if I could mow the lawn or wash the cars for the funeral home.”
Eric continued working toward his dream job. After high school, he attended Buena Vista University, received a degree in business from the University of Northern Iowa, and attended mortuary school. Eric has been a fixture at Locke Funeral Services ever since.
“In college, I had the opportunity to help my grandpa with his services,” Eric said. “I got to learn a lot before mortuary school. But what I liked most was getting to work alongside my family. It’s still one of my favorite things about being at Locke’s.”
Just as Locke Funeral Services has grown and changed to meet the needs of the community, so too has Eric’s role. But whatever he’s working on, it always comes down to providing the care and service Locke’s is known for.
“The team likes to joke that I’m the captain of the ship, but I always see myself as a funeral director,” Eric said. “It’s such a rewarding position. These days, I don’t get to meet with families every day. But we have eight phenomenal funeral directors, and I still feel every bit as rewarded seeing them provide empathetic, compassionate care to families in the community.”
While Eric has spent a lot of time at Locke’s throughout his life, he understands the importance of stepping away. When he’s not at work, you can often find him enjoying the outdoors, walking the dogs, or running off to one of his three kids’ extracurricular activities.
“Family is so important,” Eric said. “It’s why we do what we do. That’s also why, at Locke’s, we work so hard to provide a work-life balance. That time spent with our families informs the service we provide—we truly want what’s best for the families we serve.”
That dedication to doing what’s right is what guides the team at Locke Funeral Services as they look to the future. Locke’s is focused on the needs of the community, as well as their newest location, Locke at Tower Park.
“During the time of a loss, community is a basic human need,” Eric said. “Locke at Tower Park is built around that very idea. Being on the lake, there’s natural tranquility and peace. And the bar gives families and friends a place to be together and have a toast to their loved one.”
Eric looks to even more changes and expansions in Locke’s future. But one thing that will always stay the same is Locke’s core values, and you will continue to find the same compassion, experience, and expertise you have come to expect from Locke’s.
“We thank everyone for the trust they place in us over the years,” Eric said. “The community has placed its trust in us for 77 years. We don’t take that lightly. We’re going to continue to serve people the best way we can, in the way that best suits their needs.”
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.
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