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 right 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.

Planning a funeral can be overwhelming, especially when you’re doing it while grieving and still trying to make the “rig...
02/25/2026

Planning a funeral can be overwhelming, especially when you’re doing it while grieving and still trying to make the “right” choices for someone you love.

Our latest post shares a few of the most helpful things families often wish they’d known ahead of time, from paperwork and timing to payment and planning options. Give it a look here:

Planning a funeral can be overwhelming, as you're grieving and trying to make the “right” choices for someone you love. Our latest post shares a few of the most helpful things families often wish they’d known ahead of time.

Choosing between cremation and burial is a deeply personal decision, and understanding the differences can help families...
02/24/2026

Choosing between cremation and burial is a deeply personal decision, and understanding the differences can help families feel more confident.

🤍 Cremation offers flexibility. Cremated remains can be kept, scattered in a meaningful place, or buried. It allows families extra time to plan a memorial.
🤍 Burial provides a traditional place of rest, giving loved ones a dedicated space to visit.

Both options carry meaningful ways to honor a life. Whatever you choose, we're here to answer your questions and provide compassionate guidance. Contact us: https://bit.ly/3JsMPSd

At Locke Funeral Services, we believe that advance funeral planning should be a simple and compassionate process. We wor...
02/19/2026

At Locke Funeral Services, we believe that advance funeral planning should be a simple and compassionate process. We work in three stages:

1. Gather Information: Your funeral director will provide you with information about your options, answer questions, and provide guidance.

2. Choose Services: At this time, you'll be able to choose everything from the specifics of your funeral service to the casket or urn you want for your internment.

3. Payment: Choosing to pay for your funeral expenses in advance means locking in your pricing and relieving your family of a potential financial burden during an already difficult time.

Start planning now: https://bit.ly/3ZG38H0

The days after losing a loved one are hard enough. And when the funeral arrangement conference comes up, many families a...
02/18/2026

The days after losing a loved one are hard enough. And when the funeral arrangement conference comes up, many families aren’t sure what that meeting actually looks like.

We put together a guide that breaks it down plainly: what information you’ll need, what decisions you might make, and how your funeral director will support you through it.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4cbn9uZ

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

The days after losing a loved one are hard enough. When the funeral arrangement conference comes up, many families aren’t sure what that meeting actually looks like. We put together a guide that breaks it down plainly.

Locke Funeral Services got its start back in 1945 when Caroll P. Locke and his wife, Margaret, purchased Petersen Brothe...
02/17/2026

Locke Funeral Services got its start back in 1945 when Caroll P. Locke and his wife, Margaret, purchased Petersen Brothers Funeral Home and renamed it. Since then, we've been dedicated to offering funeral help with fairness, honesty, and compassion. We offer help not only to families at the time of death but also to individuals who would like to pre-plan.

Learn more about our history: https://bit.ly/3nUPjRc

If you're thinking about preplanning for your funeral, you probably have a lot of questions. At Locke Funeral Services, ...
02/12/2026

If you're thinking about preplanning for your funeral, you probably have a lot of questions.

At Locke Funeral Services, we start everything off with a simple conversation. You'll meet with a funeral professional to get your questions answered, explore options, and discuss costs.

Planning now can ensure that your wishes are fulfilled while also alleviating the emotional and financial burden from your loved ones. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4gHXmKG

Choosing what a loved one should wear for their final viewing can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions are alread...
02/11/2026

Choosing what a loved one should wear for their final viewing can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions are already heavy.

From honoring their personal style to understanding what presents best, a few simple tips can help you make a thoughtful, meaningful choice with confidence.

Learn how to choose clothing that feels true, respectful, and comforting for your family here.

Choosing what a loved one should wear for their final viewing can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions are already heavy. Learn how to choose clothing that feels true, respectful, and comforting for your family here.

Children often experience grief differently than adults. Their emotions can come in waves—crying one moment, playing the...
02/10/2026

Children often experience grief differently than adults. Their emotions can come in waves—crying one moment, playing the next.

Common reactions may include:

▪️ Clinginess
▪️ Mood swings or irritability
▪️ Trouble sleeping
▪️ Repeated questions
▪️ Withdrawing from activities

All of these reactions are normal! Your child is simply processing in the way children naturally do—in small, manageable pieces. If a child in your life is grieving, gentle patience and reassurance can make all the difference.

Planning a funeral is never easy, but when the deceased was not religious, it can add another challenging layer to the p...
02/05/2026

Planning a funeral is never easy, but when the deceased was not religious, it can add another challenging layer to the process. Traditional funeral elements often lean on faith-based rituals and scripture, which might not feel appropriate for someone who lived a non-religious life.

At Locke Funeral Services, we’re here to support you with meaningful alternatives that reflect your loved one’s beliefs, values, and unique personality. We've compiled a list of non-religious ideas. Read it here:

Planning a funeral for someone who wasn’t religious? You have options. From meaningful readings to non-traditional ceremonies, we’ve gathered heartfelt ideas to help you honor your loved one in a way that’s true to their life. Read the full guide.

When a loved one passes without a funeral plan, families are left to make tough decisions during an already emotional ti...
02/04/2026

When a loved one passes without a funeral plan, families are left to make tough decisions during an already emotional time.

From financial stress to legal hurdles, the impact can be overwhelming. 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 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.

The day, weeks, and months following the loss of a loved one are some of the most challenging a person may face. The las...
02/03/2026

The day, weeks, and months following the loss of a loved one are some of the most challenging a person may face. The last thing anyone wants to think about is what comes after the funeral. We've compiled a list of steps to take post-funeral to ease some of the burden of figuring out what comes next.

▪️ Obtain Multiple Copies of the Death Certificate
▪️ Locate the Will and Other Legal Documents
▪️ Notify Social Security and Government Agencies
▪️ Secure the Estate and Personal Property
▪️ Close or Transfer Financial Accounts
▪️ Notify Insurance Providers
▪️ Handle Employment and Pension Matters
▪️ Cancel or Transfer Subscriptions and Memberships
▪️ Manage Digital Assets and Social Media
▪️ Begin the Probate Process
▪️ Settle Debts and Final Bills
▪️ Distribute Assets and Personal Belongings
▪️ File Final Tax Returns
▪️ Seek Emotional and Legal Support

Read more:

Navigate the paperwork after a loved one’s passing with this step-by-step checklist from Locke Funeral Services. Learn what to do, from securing documents to settling the estate, with clarity and compassion.

When you're navigating loss, caring for yourself matters more than ever. But where should you start?▪️ Grief is exhausti...
01/29/2026

When you're navigating loss, caring for yourself matters more than ever. But where should you start?

▪️ Grief is exhausting. Allow yourself extra sleep and quiet moments.
▪️ Nourish your body with small, balanced meals to help stabilize energy and mood.
▪️ A short walk, stretching, or other light exercise can release tension.
▪️ It's easy to forget to drink water when you're overwhelmed, but hydration is essential to your health.
▪️ Talk to someone you trust about your feelings. We offer support groups to help you through the stages of grief.

Have more questions? You're not alone. View grief FAQs: https://bit.ly/3T6NUqi

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1519 W 4th Street
Waterloo, IA
50702

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