Joseph Walter "Joe" Locke

Joseph Walter “Joe” Locke passed away quietly at his home in Butte on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Butte on Sunday, February 18, 1940, to Joseph H. and Annie E. (Allanen-Erickson) Locke. Joe received most of his education in Pocatello, Idaho but his family returned to Butte and Joe graduated from Butte High School in 1958. He married Arnetta Faye Mackey in Butte on October 10, 1959, and worked at First National Bank until joining the United States Air Force. Joe honorably served 8 years and following his discharge returned home to Montana where he started working at the phosphate plant north of Deer Lodge. Joe then took a position as a correctional officer at the Montana State Prison, then worked for the Anaconda Company. He found his true calling working as a counselor at the Butte Pre-Release Center where he worked until retirement. Joe’s passion in life was his family. He adored each one of them, taking great joy in spending time with them all. As an avid fisherman for most of his life, he took pride in sharing this hobby through teaching his kids and grandkids how to fish. He also shared his love of sports and activities with his family, which was most noticeable over the years, as he watched his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in all their activities from sports to dance, and swimming to plays, often recording videos of the various events. Without a doubt, Joe’s greatest love in life was his wife, Arnetta. Joe and Arnetta built a long-lasting and beautiful relationship spanning time and continents proving to anyone around that true love was more than just a fairy tale. Joe is survived by is wife of over 65 years, Arnetta Locke of Butte, MT, daughter and son-in-law, Kellie and Shawn Gribben of Butte, MT , son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Jody Locke of Helena, MT, grandchildren: D.J. (Justin) Wonnacott of Las Vegas, NV, Zach (Jenna) Wonnacott of Butte, MT, Joe Locke of Hamilton, MT, Eric (Cody) Locke of Stevensville, MT, Linzi (Josh) Boyd of Butte, MT, and Heather Locke of Hamilton, MT. Great-grandchildren include Rylee, Rayden, Keldyn, Jax, Arikson, Beckett and Harper. Other survivors include his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Effie Rae and Ray Wallace of Boise, ID, Kim and Bob Osier of Bonners Ferry, ID and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Annie Locke and his parents-in-law, Ray and Ethel Mackey. Joe’s remains are at Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home where friends may call Monday morning, beginning at 9:00 o’clock. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 o’clock at the funeral home and interment will be at Mount Moriah Cemetery. Reception will be held immediately following the funeral at The Depot. Joe’s family would like to express profound thanks to Honey Bee Hospice, The Veterans Administration, Alysha Murie and Diane Castiglioni, for all the kind, loving care given to Joe throughout his illness. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

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Joseph Walter "Joe" Locke

February 18, 1940 - April 15, 2025