Dr. G. Richard Locke III
Thursday, September 21, 1961
Date of Death:
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Age:
57 years old
Visitation
Date: Sunday January 13, 2019
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Monday January 14, 2019
Time: 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Location: Co-Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist [ view map ]
Funeral Service
Date: Monday January 14, 2019
Time: 10:30 am
Location: Co-Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist [ view map ]
Burial Location
Location: Union Cemetery (Flandreau, South Dakota)
Thursday, September 21, 1961
Date of Death:
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Age:
57 years old
Thursday, September 21, 1961
Date of Death:
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Age:
57 years old
Dr. G. Richard Locke III
Dr. Giles Richard Locke III, 57, died at his home on January 10th, surrounded by his family, from complications of progressive supranuclear palsy.
Rick’s life was dedicated to his family and the pursuit of excellence in education and medicine. He led by example and inspired us all to use our gifts to serve others.
Rick was born to Dr. and Mrs. Giles Richard Locke on September 21, 1961 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was raised with three younger brothers in Decatur, Illinois. Rick’s unique combination of intellect and empathy allowed him to excel at each stage of his life.
He graduated from Dwight D. Eisenhower High School as valedictorian. While at DePauw University, he was Phi Beta Kappa, and graduated in 1983 with DePauw’s highest honor, the Walker Cup. Rick would go on to serve on the Board of Trustees of DePauw, where he chaired Academic Affairs.
From DePauw, Rick went on to study medicine at Harvard Medical School, from which he graduated in 1987. While in medical school, Rick met his wife, Jean, and they were married on October 8, 1988. Rick completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Minnesota, where he served as chief resident. He completed his fellowship in gastroenterology at the Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education.
Rick was a noted gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic, and a professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. He served as the vice chair of planning, director of the Esophageal Interest Group, and director of the Outcomes Research Unit for the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Rick was internationally known for both his expertise, and his research related to the epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
An avid golfer, Rick was captain of both his high school and collegiate golf teams. All of the milestones of his life were marked with rounds of golf with his father, family, and friends.
Rick is survived by his wife, Jean; and children, Katherine Lee Locke McNamara (Chance) and Giles Richard “Chip” Locke IV; and granddaughter, Milly Gray McNamara. Also surviving are his mother, Judith Blang Locke of Decatur, Illinois; brothers, Jonathan Locke MD (Kathy) of Decatur, Illinois, Mark Locke MD (Sarah) of Columbia, South Carolina, J. Michael Locke (Heather) of Western Springs, Illinois; along with 14 nieces and nephews. Rick was predeceased by his father, G. Richard Locke, M.D.
Rick elected to donate his brain tissue to the Mayo Clinic Brain Bank. He hoped that by contributing to research in progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare disease, he could posthumously continue his lifelong work of alleviating the suffering of others.
His family is forever indebted to the dedicated professionals at the Mayo Clinic. From his initial diagnosis to faithfully facilitating his final wishes, Rick was embraced by both the science and art of healing.
Rick will be deeply missed by his family, his friends and colleagues, and all of his patients.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Rick may be made to DePauw University or The Mayo Clinic.
The G. Richard Locke III Endowed Prize for Pre-Medical Excellence is awarded each spring to the DePauw University student with the highest grade point average of those attending medical school. Checks may be made out to DePauw University, designated for the Locke Prize, and mailed to the Bottoms Alumni and Development Center, 201 E. Seminary Street, Greencastle, IN 46135.
Gifts to Neurodegenerative Disease Research at the Mayo Clinic can be mailed to Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester MN 55905.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 14th at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist with Rev. Gerald Mahon officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 13th in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Burial will be in Union Cemetery in Flandreau, South Dakota.
Condolences
The family of Dr. G. Richard Locke III has received the following condolences.
My heartfelt condolences to the Locke family and all colleagues, friends and the Mayo Clinic GI Division. Although it has been 20 years since my GI fellowship at Mayo, I distinctly recall, and will forever remember, Dr. Locke talent for teaching, passion for medicine and his delivery of the most compassionate care to all patients. He was an outstanding physician, innovative thinking and investigator, and dedicated mentor and teacher. He was kind and generous. He taught me what I know about esophageal diseases and that knowledge I have passed on to my own students and trainees. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten--a life well lived.
Dear Jean and family,
I am so saddened to hear about Rick's passing. He was my research supervisor and mentor from 2000, when our paths first crossed in Manchester, UK, during his visit to the GI department as a guest of Prof David Thompson. He inspired me to pursue epidemiology as my research focus, and I was privileged to be his research fellow during my year at the Mayo Clinic from 2004-2005. He taught me many things, but the most important were how to lead a balanced life, and to put family first, always. He was an amazing role model and teacher, and I will be eternally grateful for his kindness, guidance and compassion.
With love and best wishes,
Smita Halder
Dear Locke Family,
It is with deep respect that I write to share my sadness in response to the news of Rick's passing. Though our paths diverged after high school, our beginnings were covalently linked through sports, academics, and friendship. I'll never forget Rick's intelligence and determination, his humility and grace, his profound sense of decency and the twinkle in his eye when he talked about his double eagle or his goal of becoming a doctor. Rick was always determined to carry on the family business of medicine and did so by reaching new heights. We his childhood friends are not surprised at the footprint of his success that he left or the number of lives he impacted. He made the most of his life and enriched the lives of all who knew him. He made us all better. My condolences to Jean, Kate, Chip, Judy, Jon, Mark, Mike and the entire Locke Family.
Respectfully,
Patrick Ruwe
Dear Jean, Kate and Chip,
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Rick. We have many fond neighborhood and Folwell School memories. In addition to a loving husband and father, Rick was a respected and admired colleague. The love and dedication of your family during Rick's illness was inspiring and compassionate. May you find peace, comfort and strength in the coming days and always.
Love,
Julia and Thomas Behrenbeck
Jean & Family,
We are so terribly sorry for your loss. Rick was a wonderful mentor & colleague. He was the consummate physician—his patients respected him so much. The world has lost a bright star. But he will never be forgotten.
Yuri & Conor
Jean, Kate, Chip, and family, it is with a very heavy heart that I send this condolence to you all. Dr. Locke was an exceptional person and I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Please know that I am praying for him and for your strength. I will never forget you Kate and Chip for you were exceptional students. Much love to you all.
Most Sincerely,
Grace Curry
Jean and family,
So very sorry for your loss. I worked with Rick for over two years as his RN research coordinator in GI at Mayo. He was always so gracious and kind to me and to all his patients. It was great to run into him a few years ago around Christmas time at the Plummer House. I was honored that both of you took the time to say hi. Even though Rick was already having difficulty with his speech, he indeed remembered me and asked about my family. It was a great pleasure to know and work with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Geri Pumper
I met Dr. Locke at the lowest point of my life. I had received an initial diagnosis of a gastric cancer or lymphoma. He encouraged me with his kindness, his gentle manner, his knowledge of these diseases. My outcome was great. The world has truly lost a wonderful man and a brilliant doctor. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Jean and family,
It was a great privilege to know Rick, a wonderful and brilliant clinician, researcher and scholar, and one of the loveliest people we have ever met.
Nick was also very lucky he chose to work with him when Rick was a GI Fellow looking for a project. Rick quickly established himself as an outstanding independent clinician researcher, rapidly translating research findings into practice helping patients at Mayo, and through his many research publications, globally. His contributions in the field were enormous and will live on.
It was a great honor to know Rick and to have worked with him.
We are so very sorry for your loss.
We will miss him greatly.
Cathy and Nick Talley
My sincere sympathy to Jean, Katie and Chip. Fond memories from your days at Folwell. Your husband and father was a very brave man.
Dear Jean and family,
I was only on staff a few years with Rick but he was a tremendous positive influence. Some of his patients still ask about him. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. You all are in my prayers.
Stephanie Hansel
Dear Jean,
Don and I send our deepest condolences. I’ll hold in my heart forever the memory of the warm welcome you gave us to Rochester.
Because of yours’ and Ricks strength and courage to live life to the fullest despite unbelievable setbacks, many have benefited including Don and I. Not only by your example but by being proactive in the Aphasia community and shedding light on PSP and so much more.
Right now our hearts are breaking for you. We pray that you and your family experience God’s comfort and peace that passes all understanding in the coming days and beyond.
Much love, Deb and Don Johnson
Jean and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Cathy worked with Dr. Locke for 20+ years in Biostatistics at Mayo.
She greatly enjoyed working with him and has very fond memories of him.
She will never forget how he would decide to do a new project just days before a deadline.
He would always smile when he asked and say something like, "You have 5 days to complete it".
Don & Cathy
I am so sorry to hear this news. Dr. Locke was a great man and will be missed dearly. I was his Administrative Assistant for 8 years and enjoyed working with him and getting to know him on a personal level. He truly loved and cherished his family. I am away on a trip so regret that I can not be in person to give my condolences to you Jean and to your children. Many prayers to all of you in the days and weeks ahead as you work through this sadness and loss, but always remember how much he helped others and how much he was loved and how much you loved him. Time has a funny way of helping us heal. With deepest thoughts and prayers for healing, Jowelle Henning
i am so sorry for your loss. I remember John from grade school and high school. He was always kind and caring to everyone. Kathy, I am so sorry and understand how u feel. I lost my husband 11 years ago and have you and your family in my prayers.
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Thank you for providing information of Dr. Locke's illness. He is truly continuing to help others as was his wish. I am from the Decatur, IL area and recognized his name and was sad to hear of his disease. We have a loved one with Progressive Supranuclear Palsey and it is so disheartening. We are struggling with what to do and what can we do questions. Most of all, thank you for putting forth his life story.
Dear Jean and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you all. I am the physician I am today in large part due to the mentorship and friendship of Dr. Locke. His compassion and care for patients, dedication to education and advancement of knowledge, and genuine gentle kindness to all, were all virtues that inspired all of us blessed to know him. I will forever cherish our time together and he will be deeply missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Joseph Chang
Dearest Jean, Judith, and Locke doctor's,
I am shocked and deeply-saddened to hear this horrific news that my childhood buddy, Giles Richard Locke, III has gone on to be with Jesus. I have so many 7th and 8th grade memories of Dr. Locke. I was the only kid he would let check my Algebra homework paper with his paper (His answers were ALWAYS 100%right). He invited me to his home and his dad and mom greeted me like I was one of the boys. I'm sure one summer they were tired of me coming over on my bike just to see how "Rich people" lived. Oh, I'm not talking holdings and bank accounts. I'm talking about the wealth of love, family, togetherness, sharing, giving, reaching, teaching, and caring. Rick was by far the "richest kid I ever knew." His kind heart and love for his fellow man showed me what I wanted to have when I grew up. I want your family to know that this world has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. I pray that you look to the hills from whence cometh your help......your help will come from the Lord. May the God of all creation reach down all the way from heaven and wrap His loving arms around all the Lockes and friends and comfort you during this unbelievably trying time. May His grace convince you that you will see Rick on the other side. If there is anything the Dunning family can do.....please call. I loved Rick Locke. Unbeknownst to him and you, I bragged on my friendship with him and his beautiful family many a time and in many sermons. May the grace of God, the love of Christ, and the sweet communion of the Holy Spirit strengthen and comfort you this day and forevermore.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Wayne Dunning
1222 E. Grand Ave.
Decatur, Il. 62521
Rick's college years symbolized achievement, service, and goodwill to others. By the time he graduated he left both school and fraternity better for having been there. He did the same for us who knew him. I am grateful for his friendship and the long associations with his family. My sympathies go out to them. Our memories of Rick will continue enriching our lives.
John Mohr,
former DePauw staff
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Locke while in GI. Rest in peace Dr. Locke.
Rest In Peace Rick, you were a shining example of academic excellence and empathy, I have long valued our conversation, with Jean’s help and encouragement at our 2013 reunion about our challenges at the time
Jean, Though our paths have not crossed for quite a while, we wanted to express our sympathy and assure you that you and Chip and Kate are in our prayers. We hope you find comfort in your faith and being surrounded by the love of your friends and family.
The Bhaskaran family
Dear Jean, my thoughts are with you, your beautiful family and new grandaughter. You are surrounded by loving friends during this difficult time. Martha McClees
Dear Jean and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. The greatest gifts I received from coaching were the opportunities to meet amazing families like yours. Having Kate on the team was so special and it allowed me to connect with your family. I remember playing some golf with Rick at the CC as he invited me to share some time on the links with him. When you spend time playing golf with someone it becomes easy to see what they are like as human beings. Rick was an exceptional man whose family was everything, who loved his work, and had a passion for helping others. Jean, Chip, Kate and family, please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Jean and Family
Very sad to hear the very sad news. Rick was a consummate physician and colleague. He has been greatly missed in our esophageal practice. He was a genuine original thinker. Our sincere condolences.
Sincerely
Ken and Ruth Wang
Jean, Kate and Chip,
We have loved knowing your family all these years and have witnessed the love and care you have for one another! Jean, the loving care you gave Rich all these last years is such a testament to your marriage vows:“in sickness and in health”
We’ve always known the kindness of Rich, but after reading his obituary, we are extremely impressed with all of Rich’s accomplishments. What a remarkable man!
We send our sincere sorrow for your loss. No matter how difficult the last years of his life, it is always so heartbreaking to say the final “good-bye”, but your wonderful memories will always live in your hearts!
With love and affection,
Lorne and Joni
Jean and family,
I am so very sorry to hear that you had to say goodbye to your beloved husbad, father and grandfather.
My deepest sympathy to you and may you find some comfort in the many happy memories of your wonderful family times.
Barb Huus
My deepest sympathies to Rick’s family and the entire Locke clan. It was a joy to have been his teacher and advisor, and I am glad we got to see each.other not so long ago here in Greencastle.
My deepest condolences to Jean and entire family from Fabyola and myself. Rich exemplified the best of humanity in all aspects of his life.
Jorge Gilbert
Jean and family, my sympathy to all of you. Dr. Locke was one of our patients at therapy I must say he was a wonderful patient to care for. And Jean was always so attentive and helpful for both him and our staff. My sympathy, Gene Noterman
Dear Locke family,
Many former classmates and golf teammates from high school are now fondly recalling our memories of Rick. We all thought the world of him. We remember his smile, his gentle caring spirit and quiet determination.
Rick was a proud member of the “fearsome fivesome” which was our top five golfers when I was a senior and Rick was a junior. Doug Coon, Mike Downey and Mike Cummings were a part of that group. We have been sharing old pictures and memories and fondly recalling our time together on the links. We all loved Rick.
We are very saddened by Rick’s passing but celebrate our friend and a life so well lived and all the lives he touched.
May God’s promise of salvation comfort and bless you all at this difficult time.
Sincerely
Jim Burgener
Great colleague and friend. He will be missed by all. He was an inspiration in his determination and perseverance.
Coddy
Please accept my condolences. God promises that one day he will "swallow up death forever (Isaiah 25:8, 9) and "No resident will say 'I am sick'(Isaiah 33:24). We will also have the opportunity to be reunited with our loved ones by means of the resurrection. (Isaiah 26:19, Hosea 13:14, John 5:28, 29)We can trust these promises because it is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18). May you review these scriptures in your own copy of the bible. May these words bring you all comfort, strength and encouragement.
our deepest condolences to your family on this great loss.
Bob and Gail (Nelson) Hanson
also- Robert & Joan Nelson of Woodland Chapel Church
We are so very sorry for your loss. Dr. Locke was a wonderfully compassionate man and he will be deeply missed. Your family is in our prayers.
Rick was a loving father and great family man besides being a wonderful doctor. He will be missed by all who were fortunate to know him. May he Rest In Peace and may God Bless Jean and family. Jim and Ruth McElwain
Jean, Judy, Jon, Mark, Michael and family,
I was sorry to hear of Rick's death yesterday. He was a wonderful man with many gifts talents and abilities. He was taken too soon, but I know he is no longer suffering. I pray that you will be comforted and that you feel loved during this time. The Shepard's are thinking and praying for you all. We hurt when friends are hurting. God Bless you all.
Kathy Shepard Eichelberger
Dear Jean and family,
We were so sad to hear about Rick. He accomplished so much in his short lifetime. We will keep Rick, you and your children and granddaughter in our prayers.
Fodly, Missy and Gene Zimmerman