Dena R. Lockman, 83, formerly of Carlyle, Illinois, passed away peacefully, in her sleep on February 4, 2024, due to natural causes related to age.

Dena was born on July 5, 1940, to Richard and Alice Kooyenga in Chicago, Illinois.

After graduating from Fenger High School in 1958, she married in November 1958, raising five children; late Anthony (late Dana) Gunaka, Michael (Laura) Gunaka, late Christopher Gunaka, late Melanie (late Frank) Fink & Raymond (Lidia) Gunaka.

Grandmother of seven, Theresa Gunaka, Jessica (Aaron) Wallenius, Amy (Caleb) Wenstrom, Mathew Gunaka, Morgan Gunaka-Vizza (Robert), Elizabeth Gunaka and Shelby Gunaka and Significant Others.

Great Grandmother of six- Amelia, Henry, Alexander, Evelyn, Natalie, and Hazel.

Dena was sister to late Richard (late Dotty) Kooyenga & late Vivian (Harold) Stack.

Remarried in 1989 to late Arthur Lockman she became a stepmother to five and many more grandchildren.

Dena was Aunt and friend too many!!!

Dena was always a creative homemaker, where conversations and laughter were common at her dining table. A Christian woman with a mighty faith that carried her and others through challenges and tragedies. Dena overcame breast cancer and multiple spinal surgeries and despite physical limitations later in life she was always full of joy as a pillar of love and strength to our family and the church. She and Art loved to serve in the local food pantries, Greeters at Sunday Services, and baking desserts for fundraiser auctions. Dena loved her pets, cared for wildlife and the outdoors. She was a successful mother, wife, and entrepreneur in several businesses from beauty consulting/sales, cleaning services, graphic design, and publishing. She filled her home with warmth, kindness, and could often be found cooking, sewing, gardening, and canning. We will miss her greatly.

Her funeral/burial service will be held in the spring of 2024 at a time to be announced. 

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