Austin J. Locke

Austin J. Locke, 19, of Kaukauna, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

He was born May 21, 2006 in the City of Appleton, WI, the son of Becki L. (Rauen) Trevino and William J. Locke.

Austin is a class of 2024 graduate of Kaukauna High School. While in high school, Austin had aspirations of working for Pierce Manufacturing. After a lot of determination and hard work, Austin earned his position at Pierce Manufacturing where he was proud to be employed as a cab assembler, helping in the process of building fire trucks that would later serve communities in fighting fires.

Austin is a beloved son, grandson, brother and friend to many. As a child, he showed very early his love for cars, spending hours pushing dump trucks on his knees, watching his Disney’s “Cars” DVD and watching “burnout” videos on YouTube. This led to many burnouts of his own, on big wheels - and a few minor crashes! Austin made it clear during travel that if the Cars theme song “Life is a Highway” was not played on repeat for the duration of the trip that he would be absolutely miserable. Austin’s energy always brought smiles to his family’s faces. Upon arriving home from school, he would somersault into each room he entered; this was his preferred method of travel for many years!

Upon getting his driver’s license, Austin’s passion for cars only grew. He proudly saved money for his first, second and third vehicles - all Pontiac G6s. He had a constant ambition to learn more about cars. Frequently, Austin’s vehicle would be found with the tires off, panels missing, and various tools sprawled out in the driveway and lawn; in a pursuit to make his vehicle acceptable to his standards. Austin would then clean his vehicle for hours afterwards where he was often found in the driveway further perfecting his car's appearance. Austin expressed his fondness for many various cars, but none were talked about by him more than his dream car: a Pontiac G8, and he was determined to call a G8 his own one day.

Austin’s sense of humor and laugh will never be forgotten. He often pulled pranks on his siblings and friends, and in his younger years could definitely be called an instigator. Austin had a great love for all animals. Growing up he was able to form a life-long friendship with his dog Butters, who he never stopped loving.

Austin’s love for cars was surpassed only by his true love for his soulmate, Yohana Chavez-Sanchez. Austin and Yohana were always found in each other’s company, since the beginning of their relationship on September 27, 2021. Their devotion to each other, and the joy seen on their faces just being in each other’s company, were clear to all those around them. Austin and Yohana were just beginning to lay the foundation for their lives and their future together, and were already making committed steps to taking on the challenges of the world as a team; they were truly “Lovers for Life”.

Austin leaves to cherish his memory, his mother, Becki L. (Rauen) Trevino (Shawn Wilde); his father, William J. Locke; his forever soulmate, Yohana Chavez-Sanchez; siblings Gabriel Trevino (Taylor Karl), Chloe Schmitt, Arianna Locke and Sophia Wilde; maternal grandparents Dana and Jan Rauen; paternal grandmother Patricia Locke; aunts Traci Ahola, Gina Rauen and Jennifer Locke; uncles Scott Rauen and Kevin Locke; and cousins Callie Lewis, Alex Aschenbrener, Scarlet Rauen, Hazel Rauen, Cerulean Rauen, Jessica Locke, Rebecca Tessen, Natali Nagan, Casey Janssen, Loretta Nagan and Tyson Locke.

Austin was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Jeffery Locke, uncle Kyle Ahola, cousin Korik Rauen, and his beloved pet dog, Butters.

A Funeral Service for Austin will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, 2401 Fieldcrest Dr., Kaukauna, WI. Visitation will begin at the funeral home at 4:00 p.m. and will continue until the time of the service. Austin will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Kaukauna. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.