Richard Duane Locke, 91

Richard Duane Locke, 91, of Polson, passed away peacefully Jan. 19, 2022, of natural causes.

Richard was born April 21, 1930, to Flossie and Issac Locke in Cornell, Ill., the seventh of eight children. Richard, or Duane as he was known by his family, was raised on a family farm in Fairfield, Ill., where he learned how to fix most anything. He attended Golden Gate Community High School in Wayne County, Ill. In 1950, after the wheat harvest in Kansas, Richard traveled to visit his sister in Missouri, where he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.

He was first stationed for five years at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, Md., where he tested bombs, rockets and chemicals for warfare. While at Aberdeen, Duane would go rollerskating on his time off. That’s where he met the love of his life, Marlene Cullum. They were married in February 1952. Richard and Marlene had one daughter, Gwendolyn. Richard was stationed at several bases in the U.S. and overseas. One of his favorite locations was RAF Wethersfield Air Station in Essex, England.

In 1959, Duane and his family returned to Biloxi, Miss., where he crossed trained into the up-and-coming radar field. Richard used these new skills when he was stationed in Iceland, Greenland and near Nha Trang, Vietnam. In Sept 1972, he and his family moved to Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls, and in 1973, after serving 23 years and obtaining the rank of E-6, he retired. After retiring Richard worked for NW Fence, Great Falls Veterinary Clinic, and he owned and operated his own powering raking and handyman business. Marlene passed away in 2002. Richard enjoyed traveling, square dancing, fishing, hunting and doing his own ammunition reloading.

In 2009, Richard met Elsie Gierke. She became his constant companion. They lived for a short time in Great Falls, but later relocated to Polson to be near her daughter. Richard and Elsie were married in Polson in December 2011. They enjoyed square dancing, day trips, card games and watching wildlife.

Richard is survived by his wife, Elsie Gierke-Locke; Gwen Block (daughter), Patty Gierke (stepdaughter); five grandchildren: Stephen Korol-Locke (Great Falls), Kalla Huntley (Woodland, Wash.), and Chris Gierke, Michelle Gierke and Kevin Gierke (Missoula); four great grandchildren: Zophiya (Great Falls), Maria, Gavin and Kian (Woodland); as well as many nieces and nephews, and dear friends Terry and Danny Crosbie in the UK.

He was preceded in death by his former wife, Marlene; his siblings; stepsons David Gierke (Missoula) and Fred Gierke (Woodland); and many family and friends.

Richard will be remembered for his laugh, his frugal nature, his kindness and his generosity with his time.

No services will be held at this time. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.