Thomas James "Wakinyan Hoyeya" Locke Jr.

Thomas James Locke Jr., (Wakinyan Hoyeya) "Ground Shakes When He Speaks," age 66 of Sisseton, South Dakota Journey to the Spirit World on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. He was born on December 14, 1959 the son of Thomas Locke Sr., and Jean Barse in Sisseton, South Dakota.
Thomas received a construction and building / maintenance certificate from Mitchell Technical Institute. He had many jobs through-out his life, such as road and housing construction, Maintenance supervisor at Dakota Magic, Dakota Connection and Dakota Sioux Casinos. Thomas honorably served his country in the United States Navy.
He enjoyed Softball, Bowling, Slots. Thomas was a biker; he loved his motorcycles and riding. His preferred means of transportation was his bike participating in many Poker runs. Thomas had an awesome sense of humor, always teasing everyone. He and his first wife, Audrey were foster parents, resulting in being "Dad" to many. He was united in marriage in 1988 to Audrey Bernard until her death in 2008.
Survived by his children/stepchildren: Michael Locke, Thomas "Tucker" Getzlaff, Fawn Two Eagles, Derrick (Kaitlyn Wakeman) Locke, David Bernard, Amanda Iyarpeya, Dean Iyarpeya, Lindsey Richotte, Tyrell Richotte,; significant other: Deb Seaboy Richotte "The Babe"; 52grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren: brothers: Curt Cleveland, Kenny Locke, Geno Locke, Casey Cleveland, David Cleveland, Creighton Renville; sisters: Judy Locke, Teresa Milholland and numerous aunts, uncles and other
loving relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by: his father: Thomas Locke Sr.; mother: Jean Barse; wife: Audrey Bernard; cousin: Butch Shephard; brothers: Bobby Iyarpeya, Randy Iyarpeya, Frank
James Locke; paternal grandparents: Wilbur Locke and Esther Spider; maternal grandparents: Jack Barse and Alice Kampeska; granddaughters: Tayvon Bernard, Alayla
Richotte and Destry Richotte; great grandson: Arlen Renville 4th.

In Loving Memory