Janice "Jan" Larkin

Janice "Jan" M. Larkin, age 89 of La Crosse, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

She was born October 13, 1935 to Dorothy (Jones) Hanson and Harvey Hanson in La Crosse WI and graduated from Central High School in 1953 from which she had many happy memories.

On September 24, 1955, Jan married the love of her life, Bill Larkin and together they had two children, Scott and Cheryl.

After Jan retired from UW La Crosse in 1993 and Bill retired from La Crosse Footwear, they enjoyed a long, happy retirement travelling in their motorhome as well as vacationing in the winter in Ft Myers Florida.

The Oktoberfest family was a big part of Jan’s life with Bill, serving as a Grenadier, Director and finally Frau when Bill became Oktoberfest Festmaster in 1992.

She also had a memorable time volunteering at Mayo Health System in the surgery family waiting room and other areas of the hospital.

Reading, mahjong, golf, crosswords, walking her dog Annie and being with many of her treasured friends was her love. Spending time with family and her granddaughters and babysitting them when they were young was also very memorable for her.

She wishes to thank all of her friends who are residents of Eagle Crest South for their friendship as well as Nicole, Chris, Michelle and all of the staff at Eagle Crest South.

She also wishes to thank Dr. Paul Mueller, Dr. Adam Skemp, Dr. Anna Jones, Dr. Sam Thakolwiboon and all the staff at Mayo Health Systems in both La Crosse and Rochester for their loving care during her illness.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill and daughter Cheryl (Larkin) Castille, brother in laws Mike Larkin and Gary Larkin and her nephew Michael Larkin.

She is survived by her son Scott Larkin and daughter in law Colleen (Borchert) Larkin of Oconomowoc WI, granddaughters Theresa Larkin of Seattle WA, Sarah Larkin of Wauwatosa WI, son in law Blake Castille of Opelousas LA and her dog Annie.

Visitation will be held at the Schumacher – Kish Funeral Home in La Crosse on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 5 to 7 PM as well as at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 9:30 AM until the time of service.

Services will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 10:30 AM with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Jan wishes memorials to be given to the Coulee Region Humane Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Holy Trinity Catholic Church.