Dane Matthew Kent Locke

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 12:00 until the time of the Memorial Service at 3:00 p.m., at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL. A reception to celebrate Dane's life will follow at Moretti’s Unique Events, 2525 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates, IL from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dane Matthew Kent Locke on September 21, 2025, in Kalispell, Montana, at the age of 23. He was the beloved son of Kent and Ann Marie Locke and the loving brother of Olivia and Claudia Locke.

Dane was born on August 9, 2002, at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL. He grew up with and was confirmed at First United Methodist Church in Palatine.

Dane had a carefree and adventurous spirit. He was fearless as he followed in his father's footsteps, mastering watersports, motorsports, and snowsports. He had a knack for water skiing from a very young age, slalom skiing and spraying like no other. In short, if it involved a board, whether snow or water, you could bet he would pick it up instantly - his skills were so impressive and always kept the rest of the family on their toes.

Dane was a passionate outdoorsman whose heart belonged to the northern woods of Wisconsin and the mountain landscapes of Montana. He found joy in every season- whether playing hockey and lacrosse, downhill skiing or snowboarding, fishing, or simply building a campfire to share food and stories. A devoted Chicago sports fan, he loved time on the water, chopping wood, and giving 4-wheel rides to his cousins. His carefully curated family fireworks shows reflected his adventurous and free spirit. Whether it was the northwoods of Wisconsin or the national parks of Montana, Dane could identify any and all varieties of trees and loved sharing facts about them and the ecosystems they are a part of. He understood how nature coexisted with each other and found beauty, comfort, and calm in the great outdoors.

Dane graduated from Barrington High School in 2020. He played hockey for the Yellowjackets in Crystal Lake and Redwings in Barrington and was also part of the high school lacrosse team, where his father had the privilege of assistant coaching. He had a close-knit group of friends and community, including cousins and friends who lived next door and down the street.

Dane developed his love for working outdoors while employed at Gordy’s Marine in Lake Geneva, where he spent several summers. He was always so excited to go back each summer; he loved driving new boats, giving tours and tubing rides, and enjoyed Lake Geneva at night with his coworkers.

Dane went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Forestry Management from Iowa State University in 2024. We have always been so proud of him for being the only Locke sibling to finish his degree in 4 years. He rooted passionately for Iowa State athletics and loved watching every single football and basketball game, as well as a few club hockey games. Dane found his community at ISU through his fraternity FIJI, where he held the role of Corresponding Secretary, managing their monthly newsletter, and organizing the Pig Dinner, an annual alumni event. He was also known as the go-to flower expert— Dane chose the blooms for sororities’ Founder’s Day each year, and when Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or an anniversary came around, the brothers turned to him for advice on what flowers to buy and where to find them. The FIJI brothers described him as a calming presence that always brought a levelheaded approach to every difficult discussion.

After graduation, Dane moved to Kalispell, Montana, to pursue his dream of working in forestry and living out west. He was beyond thrilled to be working for Weyerhaeuser Lumber, where he very quickly found a family within his crew and managers. He had a strong work ethic and always wanted to continue learning and training in new areas. We had the privilege of meeting his crew and were so graciously invited to participate in a guided tour with his managers to see where Dane worked every day. We were so proud when they informed us he was up for a promotion.

He is survived by his parents, Kent and Ann Marie Locke; his sisters, Olivia and Claudia Locke (Nicholas Fitzgerald); grandmothers Gwyneth Phelps and Eileen Ashley; his aunts, uncles with cousins: great-uncle Thomas Ashley, great-aunt Megan Horin, Deborah Walsh (Kenneth Petruck), Christine Locke with Nicholas Macaluso, Timothy and Brenda Locke with Allison Clendenin (Joel Clendenin) and Carly Locke, Angela Ashley (James Pruyn) with Morgan and Payton Enyeart, Amy and James Dahlborn with Lucas and Blake Dahlborn, Andrew and Shari Ashley with Helena and Rhiannon Ashley.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kent Locke Sr., Carol Locke, Ronald Ashley, and Edmund Phelps; his great-uncle, Terrance Ashley; his great-aunts, Jeanine Pickell and Jane Ohlerking; his uncle, James Walsh, and his cousins, Rachel and Kacie Macaluso.

Dane will be remembered as a cherished son, brother, family member, friend, and co-worker. His legacy will live on in the stories and hearts of all who loved him. Dane’s quick wit, big heart, and loyalty defined him; we will also never forget his smile and giggle, as they were truly contagious. His capacity for levity can only be outweighed by his capacity to love and care for everyone around him. Dane was the best brother and son we could ask for. We feel so honored to have been blessed with his life for 23 years; we know everyone will always cherish the memories of Dane. We will carry his compassion, love of the great outdoors, zest for life, and his spirit with us forever. May Jesus keep him, and may his light forever shine brightly in all our hearts.

The Locke Family would like to thank Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home in Palatine and Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell for their care and compassion in coordinating our journey with Dane from Montana back to Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly request donations to any of the following:

American Epilepsy Society

https://giving.servantkeeper.com/fumcp

https://phigam.org/foundation/other-giving-options/gifts-in-honor-or-memory/

“Donate a tree” is available through Dane’s Buffalo Hill obituary.