Michael Wayne Locke, age 67 of Virginia,  passed away unexpectedly on May 18, 2026 at home. He was born October 19, 1958, in Houlton, Maine to Robert and Delores (Seeley) Locke.

He married Andrea “Andi” on May 20th, 1995 in Houlton, Maine and together they built a life that was full of love & laughter, even in the not so funny moments. If there were any two people who could see a positive in something terrible, it was them. 

Mike had a strong work ethic & held a variety of jobs throughout his life, but those he was most proud of were Plant Superintendent at Louisiana Pacific in New Limerick, Maine; Production Manager at Eagle Forest Products in Miramichi, N.B Canada; and Plant Superintendent at Potlatch in Cook, MN. Most recently you could find him helping out in the front office at Iron Range Customs in Virginia, MN. 

Mike was frequently referred to as “Big Dog” or the “mayor”.  He knew someone or made a new friend everywhere he went; he loved to talk to anyone who would talk to him. He loved golfing, hanging out in the garage talking with the neighbors, the newspaper word jumbles, anything sports (especially Tom Brady or U Conn girls’ basketball), but most importantly, he loved his family immensely & being anywhere his grandchildren were. 

Mike was the best husband, father & the proudest grandfather - nothing topped being “Gramps” for him. In fact, most of Jayden & Chesney’s friends also called him Gramps and he thought that was the coolest. 

He will be dearly missed by his daughter: Erica Bernard (Josh) of Eveleth, MN;  sons: Jeremy Locke (Natalie) of Duluth, MN,  and Josh Locke (Natasha) of Houlton, Maine; His grandchildren & favorite people, Erica’s children:  Jayden & Chesney; Jeremy’s children Wyatt & Aubrey, and Josh’s children Sophia, Aiden & Camden; Close family friend, Reed Peterson (Chantal) & their children Xander & RJ; siblings Roberta Blackwell, Rebecca and Tony Reynolds, Kevin and Cheryl Locke, Roxanne and James Lyons, Ruthanne and Bill O'Rourke, Michelle Locke, Maryanne and Murray Gusseck, and Carrie and Andy Love; many nieces and nephews; and his grand-dogs Jozie & Mylo. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Andi; his parents; and his brothers Mark & Kenneth Locke.

We would like to thank the Virginia Police Department & Virginia Ambulance for their quick response and kindness during one of the worst days of our lives. 

Mike did not want a traditional service, but instead a celebration of life, with all who loved him which will be Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 3:00 pm at the Virginia Golf Course in Virginia, MN. Please bring your best Mike stories to share. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice or anyone who might need a little extra help in Mike’s memory.

Family arrangements provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.  To express condolences online, see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.