Michael Joseph Larkin

Michael Joseph Larkin
Age 74 at death
Passed away peacefully in his sleep at Eagan home in the early morning March 16th, 2025
Born in Kansas City Missouri, on January 3rd, 1951, Michael moved to the Highland neighborhood in Saint Paul at age 5. He was a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, father and grandfather to his cherished granddaughter, Savannah.
Michael attended Cretin Durham Hall and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He worked as a private investor until his death, and enjoyed sharing his interest for economics and markets with his sons and friends. He concentrated in long-term strategic investing, and briefly owned and managed the Brown Derby Bar in West Saint Paul.
Michael was a God-fearing man and lifelong scholar, studying subjects from horse betting, to world history, law, finance, and the Bible. His many interests meant cabinets, drawers, and book lined walls in most every room in the house. He played a mean Spanish guitar, dabbled in piano, often delighting us with original silly lyrics and melodies. He relished long walks with his dogs, cooking, restaurants, red meat, driving the byways, listening to Edith Pilaf, Nana Mouskouri, and Dean Martin, watching and collecting old movies­­. He favored film noir, black and white classics, Astaire & Rodgers, westerns, and gangster stories. Most any others were in his opinion, "chick flicks."
Michael met his wife Jane at the I Love to Dance ballroom studio in Minneapolis 37 years ago. He was randomly assigned as her student and the rest, as they say They were blessed with sons, Sean in '93 and James in '95. He enjoyed watching them play baseball, football, basketball, and hockey, and was an avid skater himself.
Michael's quiet demeanor concealed a quick dry wit. He could talk for hours about Ancient Rome, business practices on Wall Street, or why the King James Version of the Bible was the best translation. His sons often referred to him as a walking encyclopedia. He was deeply principled, kind, gentle, and generous.
Michael played proud "Gampa" to now four-year-old Savannah, treasuring her company and marveling at her early grasp of the language. She sought him out for his approval on a stuffed toy or drawing throughout the day.
As his mother Florence grew older, Michael was by her side. He cared for her full time; cooking, cleaning, laundering, and hiring personal care takers when needed. He truly cherished his mother, and in his final weeks told us that he so missed her and that he couldn't wait to see her again.
We believe that Dad will see Grandma again. And we endeavor to see you both in the renewed earth.
Michael was preceded in death by his loving father Robert E. Larkin and mother Florence D. (Nelson) Larkin; his sister Sandra Schulze and brothers Patrick and Marty Larkin; and two infant sons Joseph and Benjamin.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jane (McEvers) Larkin; and his sons Sean (Brittany) and James Larkin; as well as his beloved granddaughter Savannah Larkin.
A visitation will be open to the public beginning at 11 AM, March 25th at O'Halloran and Murphy Funeral home, 575 Snelling Ave S, St Paul, MN. A memorial service will follow at the same location, from 12-1 PM. We will then have a burial at Resurrection Cemetery, 2101 Lexington Ave S, Mendota Heights, MN. Approximate burial time is 1:45 PM. Please meet within the gates no later than 1:30 to follow the procession to the gravesite. We hope you will join us at Lone Oak Grill 3010 Eagandale Pl Eagan, MN, where we will be providing a lunch buffet in the banquet room. Food will be served around 2:45 PM.
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