George Locke

George Locke, a remarkable man of faith and dedication, peacefully passed away at home on October 13, 2026, in the loving presence of his dear wife, Elise and family. Born on May 24, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, George's life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to education, family, and faith. George was welcomed into this world by his parents, Charles and Elsie Locke. He often spoke of his childhood adventures on the farm, particularly recalling memories of his brothers Tommy, Henry, and John, who predeceased him. His grandson Denny also preceded him in entering the heavenly home, where they are now joyfully reunited. George was led to the Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit through Baptism and Confirmation at St. John's Lutheran Church in Plymouth, Wisconsin, where he also attended school. He had the privilege of attending Concordia Lutheran High School and Junior College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for 6 years before transferring to Concordia Teacher's College in Seward, Nebraska. God Called him to be a teacher and he received his Bachelors and later, his Masters degree there. George also received an honorary Doctorate degree in 2005 from Concordia College, Ann Arbor. Dr. Locke joined nicknames such as Big G and Papa. George served 23 years as teacher and principal in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. He served 22 years in the Nebraska and Michigan District Offices as Superintendent of Lutheran Schools. In every place he served he built lasting memories and friendships that span time and distance. George had a heart for those with special needs, growing up with 2 brothers who needed extra care. He was happy to be a part of Special Friends Camp many a summer, a program sponsored by the LCMS Michigan District. George lent his wisdom and love of teaching to Concordia, Ann Arbor as an adjunct professor of Office of the Christian Teacher. He was more comfortable than most people speaking to a crowd, if it meant pointing them to Jesus or just making them laugh. Whether it was a school chapel, retirement dinner, or Bible Class he took joy in preparing notes, jokes, prayers and speeches. In retirement he served on the Board of Directors of Lutheran Braille and MOST Ministries. On August 1, 1964, George married his beloved, Elise (nee Baden), at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hanover, Kansas. Their 62-year marriage was an inspiring example of love with Christ at the center. Together, they raised four children: Andy (Jenni) Locke, Kim (Dave) Stotz, Stephanie (Jim) Juergensen, and Heather (Bryan) Oechsner. George was a proud and devoted grandfather to eleven grandchildren; Ashley, Annica, Luke, Mikayla, Baden, Jessie, Jimmy, Ellie, Cole, Denny and Jonah. He was fortunate enough to be "great-pa" to two great-grandsons, Bowen and Jackson. After an "illustrious" basketball career in junior college, George turned to golf as his favorite pass time for the entirety of his adult life. Golf is where his true athleticism and sportsmanship came out. Believe it or not, George had 3 hole-in-ones in his lifetime, something most struggle to achieve once. It was the comradery he loved, especially with his retirement buddies in Michigan, where they made up their own set of rules that some would argue as cheating. George loved sports on the tube, always tuning into anything basketball, U of M or Detroit related. His favorite athletes were his children and grandchildren. He supported them in basketball, volleyball, soccer, softball, football, baseball, track, cross-country, and wrestling. You could always talk sports with George. George had a solid and steady sense of humor that he worked into every day life. Guys like George are hard to find these days as he could tell a funny story or joke in any conversation and was maybe known to retell them "a few times". He had a large arsenal, many people would say. He loved classical music, buying new cars, butter pecan ice-cream, old westerns, using coupons, shrimp, tootsie roll pops when he was driving all over Michigan (to stay awake), and grocery shopping every Saturday since 1973. George lived life to the fullest in retirement, as long as his lungs would allow, a lot longer than we all expected. At St. Michael, Wayne, Michigan, he and Elise cherished their small group Bible class and get togethers, especially breaking bread together after church at local favorites like Coney Island and Jonathans. His final church home was First Immanuel in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. He and Elise could finally be members with some of their children and grandchildren for their remaining days. They made Village Pointe Commons their home and found many friends along the way like they always do! A funeral service at First Immanuel, Cedarburg will be held to honor George's life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to Living Word Lutheran High School, located in Jackson, Wisconsin. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Horizon Hospice for their care and to his daughter Kim, who served as his ultimate hospice nurse. George's life was a testament to his faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his legacy will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. Years ago, above his bed a sign read "I have called you, you are mine." George was both called to serve a purpose-filled here on earth and called to his eternal home where he awaits his many loved ones.