Rose Mary Larkin

Rose M. Larkin, 94, of Dorchester, IA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Thornton Manor in Lansing, IA. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 22nd, at St. Mary's Hanover Catholic Church in rural Waukon, IA, with Father Joseph Sevcik officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may greet the family from 9:00 AM until time of services at the church on Wednesday. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling the arrangements.

Rose Mary Gullo was born on May 5, 1930, in LaSalle, IL, the daughter of John and Anna (Puccio) Gullo. She was baptized and confirmed at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque, IA. Dubuque is where she was raised along with her younger sister Marie (Piotrowski) and half siblings: Fred, Vi, Joe, and Cindy Brenke.

On September 18, 1950, Rose and John Larkin were married at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Dubuque. The couple had met through a blind date set up by friends. In 1952, they relocated from Dubuque to Ion, IA, and farmed there for five years before moving to French Creek Township. Together, Rose and John raised their family and farmed until retiring in 1982.

Rose's lifelong passion for music started by singing as a child; she gladly sang for anyone who came to her parents' home. Later she continued sharing her beautiful voice, whether while in the kitchen or at church. She also enjoyed numerous hobbies such as gardening, artwork, crocheting, playing cards, fishing, bowling, golfing, and dancing with her husband on weekends.

With her strong faith, Rose was an active member of St. Mary's Hanover parish. Her contributions included singing at weddings and funerals, leading the parish choir for many years, teaching Catechism, and participating in the Rosary Society. Rose was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Those who knew her could not help but love her.

She is survived by eight children: William of Jacksonville, FL, Lawrence (Char) of St. Joseph, MO, Joseph (Amy) of Boonville, MO, Robert (Peggy) of Dorchester, IA, Kathleen (Karl) Schoenknecht of Strasburg, PA, Ann (Rick) Tebbs of Fort Madison, IA, Marie (Kevin) Bye of Greenfield, WI, and Rose (D. Carl) Evans of Johnston, IA; 22 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren with two on the way; her siblings: Marie Piotrowski, Fred (Sharon) Brenke, Vi (Mike) Elliott, Joe (Colleen) Brenke, and Cindy Arachikavitz; and a daughter-in-law Sue Sivesind of Waukon. She was preceded in death by her husband John; a son Edward; and a grandson Billy Larkin.

Casketbearers are Amy Larkin, Chris Gregerson, Sean Larkin, Blake Tebbs, Jacob Bye, and Isaiah Evans.

The Larkin family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the amazing staff at Thornton Manor in Lansing. The compassionate care provided to our mom will never be forgotten.