Doyle Eugene Larkin

Doyle Eugene Larkin
Age 90 of Columbia Heights, MN. A dedicated father, grandfather and loyal friend passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025. Doyle was born to Floyd and Rose (Osborn) Larkin on January 29th, 1935, in Madelia, MN. He leaves behind five children: Kevin (Robert) of Santa Fe, NM; Mark (Patti) of Fort Collins, CO; John (Robin) of Fridley, MN; Chris (Linda) of Lino Lakes, MN; and Anne Walter (Tom) of Princeton, MN; 12 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Stanley Serreyn and Julius (Diane) Walters along with many nieces and nephews.
Doyle is preceded in death by his wife Veronica. They were two months shy of 69 years of marriage. His siblings Lyle (Carol) Larkin, Charlotte (Mark) Teaser, Bill (Jane) Larkin, Loretta (Joe) Gliniany, Marcy (Howard) Eager and Betty (Ted) Engelking. His in-laws Andrew (Jeanette) Walters, John Walters, Julia Ann Serreyn and Margaret (Dean) Schwerr.
Doyle grew up on the family farm in Madelia. He graduated from Madelia High School in 1952. After completing two years at the University of Minnesota, Doyle then served in the US Army Signal Corps. He graduated from the Southeastern Signal School at Camp Gordon, GA. He served in Korea from April 1954 to March 1956. His Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was a Repeaterman, whose role was critical for maintaining secure and reliable communication between different forces. He received the National Defense Service Medal along with a Good Conduct Medal.
Doyle met Veronica at college, and married on September 22, 1956, in Marshall, MN. Their married life began at University Village in St Paul, then to Hopkins, and to St. Louis Park. During this time, he worked and went to school part time. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, St Paul College of Agricultural School in 1960, with a Bachelor of Science Degree with distinction. He earned his Master's Degree of Arts in Business Administration in August 1969, while working full-time and having five children.
His first job was as a research analyst at Pillsbury forecasting commodities. The family moved to Eldorado Arkansas in 1971. In 1973, they moved back to Minnesota, purchasing their home in Columbia Heights.
Doyle worked for Dependable Feeds, Stotler and Company and on his own as an independent broker, using Cargill Investor services as his clearing house. As a top earner, twice he was a member of the Cargill President's Club. He retired in 2005 and volunteered at SCORE.
Doyle was competitive by nature. He enjoyed playing racquetball and relished beating everyone. He taught generations in the family to play cribbage, a game he was famous for getting skunked. Doyle was a golfer. He thought everyone should learn to play as you can do even as you grow old.
He beamed with pride watching his grandchildren participate in hockey, musical concerts, swimming, theater, track and wrestling. Doyle had a sentimental side which was apparent when he sang songs with his grandchildren and read them bedtime stories. He wasn't afraid to say he loved you or give you a hug goodbye.
Family traditions were important to Doyle. Whether it was planning the Larkin Family reunion, or at Christmas making oyster stew and wrapping calendars he gave as presents.
Doyle was proud of his Irish heritage. He traveled to Ireland on two occasions. St. Patrick's Day was celebrated in St Paul with family and friends.
His dry sense of humor remained until his passing. Often saying "I can't hear you," when he wanted to avoid answering a question.
Our family would like to express sincere gratitude to the compassionate staff at Personal Care Senior Living in Columbia Heights, for the great care provided to Doyle. He enjoyed his time. Thank you to Hospice of the Midwest for the guidance and honoring his wishes.
Please wear green to honor Doyle's Irish pride. The visitation is on 11/3, from 4-7 pm, with the family sharing stories from 6-7 pm, at Washburn-McReavy Columbia Heights Chapel. Mass of Christian burial Tuesday 11/4 at 11:00 am at the Church of St William. Visitation is one hour prior to the service. Following the service, entombment at Gethsemane Cemetery. Memorials preferred to playforpatrick.org