1936
Judith
2023
Judith Blang Locke
May 7, 1936 — October 18, 2023
Judith Blang Locke died Wednesday, October 18th in her longtime home in Decatur, Illinois. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church, Decatur, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at Scovill Zoo Educational Building.
Judy was preceded in death by her husband and life partner, Dr. G. Richard Locke (Dick), her eldest son, Dr. G. Richard Locke III (Rick), and her younger brother, Curt Blang. She was 87-years-old.
Judy was born to Dorothy and John Blang on May 7, 1936 in the Chicago suburb of Oak Park and grew up in Western Springs where she attended Lyons Township High School. After cheering the basketball team at LTHS onto a state championship, she headed down on the Monon train to attend DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. She became a proud member of Alpha Phi, received her B.A. in Education, and met the love of her life, Dick Locke.
Judy and Dick were married on August 2, 1958 and moved to Cleveland, Ohio where Dick attended Western Reserve Medical School (now Case Western) and Judy taught math to gifted elementary students. Their oldest son Rick was born in Cleveland in September 1961. They relocated to Milwaukee for a surgical internship for Dick and welcomed second son Jon in February 1963. Dick entered his Radiology residency at the University of Iowa, where their son Mark was born in September 1965. After completing his residency, Dick headed into the army and son, Michael, was born in September 1967 on Fort Monmouth in Eatontown, New Jersey.
After Dick completed his service, Judy and Dick settled in Decatur, Illinois. While Dick built his radiology practice at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Judy devoted her time to raising her four boys. She was very proud of their many accomplishments throughout their lives and loved to share in their successes. The boys all followed their parents to DePauw University, with Rick, Jon and Mark pursuing careers in medicine and Michael practicing law and then transitioning into business.
With the boys grown, Judy ramped up her work in public service, running for Commissioner at the Decatur Park District where she was elected to three six-year terms and was the first female president of the Board of Commissioners. She then founded and ran the Decatur Parks Foundation, ultimately serving more than 30 years in the parks, providing youth programming for all of Decatur. She brought national and international resources to the people of Decatur and led enhancements including building the Scovill Park Zoo, the Children’s Museum of Illinois, three new golf courses, bike trails, soccer and baseball complexes, and a Special Olympics swimming pool.
Judy served for twelve years on the Illinois State Park Board, including two years as president. She was the recipient of a national community arts award from the National Park Association, and an individual art programming award from the State of Illinois.
Along with her passion for the parks in Decatur, Judy loved and gave back to DePauw University, serving on the Board of Visitors and chairing the Board of Fraternal Affairs and Greek Life Advisory Council. In 2014, she was recognized by DePauw with the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award for Citizenship and Volunteer Service.
Judy thrived most socializing with cherished family, friends, and strangers in her favorite places – the beach in Boca Grande, Florida, the patio at the Walden Inn at DePauw, and the dock in Longville, Minnesota. She would never let anyone eat alone and her home in Decatur was open to all. She was a “mom” to many more than her four sons.
Judy is survived by her son Dr. Jon Locke (Kathy) of Decatur, Dr. Mark Locke (Sarah) of Columbia, South Carolina and J. Michael Locke (Heather) of Western Springs, Illinois along with Rick’s wife Jean Locke of Rochester, Minnesota. She was blessed with 14 grandchildren: Maddie Locke, Kate Locke McNamara, Emily Locke Gotlund, Chip Locke, Annie Locke Lowell, Jack Locke, Ellie Locke, Charlie Locke, Henry Locke, Skip Locke, Cate Locke, William Locke, Caroline Locke and Graham Locke. She was also blessed with three great grandchildren: Milly and Fritz McNamara and Elliot Gotlund.
The family suggests that donations be sent to the Scovill Zoo through the Decatur Parks Foundation at 620 E. Riverside Ave, Decatur, IL 62521.
Judy’s desire was to rest alongside Dick in the Locke homestead in Flandreau, South Dakota.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Judith Blang Locke, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Memorial Service
First Presbyterian Church
Guestbook
Visits: 2
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors