Obituary: David Locke

David F. Locke, 66, died in Tucson, Arizona on Oct. 9, 2024, from cancer and other causes. He was born in Duluth and grew up in Cloquet. He was an outgoing child and award-winning skier with the Cloquet ski team. After graduating from high school, David joined the U.S. Marines and did security duty. He was proud of his military service for the rest of his life.

David and his siblings were adopted. He was born with fetal alcohol syndrome, which creates permanent brain damage when a woman consumes alcohol during a critical time in her pregnancy. While FAS diminished his life in many ways, he was loved and cherished. After his time with the Marines, David worked a few basic labor jobs before moving to Arizona, where his parents spent their winter months. In his last years, David lived in veteran housing and developed friendships with fellow servicemen. He was a member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Anna Marie of Cloquet; sister Denise; and brother, Kevin. He is survived by sister Deborah of St. Paul; and by his aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Service for David will be held Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 102 Fourth St., in Cloquet with a brief family visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial. Arrangements entrusted to Nelson Funeral Care.

The online obituary was corrected on Nov. 8 to reflect the correct date for David's services. The obituary that appeared in the print version of the Pine Knot News on Nov. 8 incorrectly stated that services had already been held. We apologize for the error.