Randall A. Locke

The world will miss Randall Anthony Locke Sr., 85, a beloved husband, father, opa, uncle, friend, and generous soul, who passed from this earthly life on July 16, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin. Randy was born March 15, 1939, in LaSalle, Illinois, and raised in nearby Tonica by his parents, Gladys “Jimmie” and Ben Locke, with his brother, Bennett (BJ), who was 3 years older.

Randy’s boyhood was filled with school, sports, friendships, and music. He liked listening to St. Louis Cardinal games, camping with his buddies and brother, acting in school plays, playing trombone in the school band, and riding motorbikes. He held jobs with increasing responsibilities as a young adult, including setting pins at a bowling alley, working at a service station, and operating a glass-blowing machine at Owen’s Glass Factory. He was fortunate to be introduced to Sandra Foutch by a mutual family friend, and they married in 1963. They made their first home in Cleveland, OH, where Randy was stationed. Randy proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1961-64, including performing in the U.S. Coast Guard Band.

Randy attended Illinois Community College and Northern Illinois University (BA in psychology and history, 1968; MS in community mental health, 1969). He and Sandra welcomed their son, Randall, in 1968. Even as his family grew, Randy continued to put his family first and foremost. He was exemplary as a loving, patient, thoughtful, compassionate, and generous person of integrity; he brought joy and wit to his family and many others.

Randy devoted his professional life to family services, first as a counselor at Singer Mental Health Zone Center in the Children’s Unit, and next as one of the founders of Project Intercept in Boone County. He served longest at the Winnebago County Department of Public Health (1973-1997), first as Coordinator of Mental Health Services, then as the department’s Assistant Administrator.

In retirement, he continued his care for others through involvement and later leadership in the Rockford Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP), which improved the physical health of hundreds of people by focusing on lifestyle choices. That program was essential for his body’s ability to overcome several cancers, including brain cancer. He was supported by and held a special place in his heart for the Rockford Healing Pathways cancer survivors' group and the Rock River YMCA Retired Men’s Club, with which he sang in the chorus at nursing homes.

Many knew Randy as a ‘music man’ through his Foot Notes Music (a music, dancing, reunion, and event service) or by the countless CDs he gave away. He shared his passion for music and dance with his wife of 61 years; they taught and led international and folk dance workshops throughout the Midwest and eastern US, including a decade at Saug-for-All of Michigan and over two decades at the UU family camp at Ferry Beach of Maine. One of his mantras in life was to ‘Err on the side of generosity’.

Randy was predeceased by his parents, Jimmie and Ben Locke; brother and sister-in-law, Bennett and Maria Locke. Among those remaining who will cherish Randy’s life are his wife, Sandra Locke of Rockford, IL; his son and daughter-in-law, Randall and Trisha Locke and their children, Alli and Lauren of Champaign, IL; two nieces, Michelle Bruns and Melissa Nadon of Colorado and their families; and other dear extended family.

Randy’s memorial service will be at his spiritual home of over 50 years, the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL on Saturday, August 17 at 11AM. The Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson will officiate. There will be time to gather, reminisce, and share stories and lunch after the service. For those who cannot attend, the service will be live streamed from https://www.youtube.com/@theunitarianuniversalistch8117 and https://www.facebook.com/.uurockford.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Rockford Unitarian Universalist Church (Free Pantry Fund), to the YMCA Retired Men’s Club (Youth Program Grants Fund), or to the Ferry Beach Park Association in Saco, ME.

The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL  61108 assisted the family. Please share condolences and memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com