Merle Duane Larkin

Merle D. Larkin, 98, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, passed away at Deery Suites at Western Home Communities on September 20, 2025. He was born in Hartley, Iowa, the son of Richard and Marie (Brower) Larkin.  Merle attended Shell Rock High School, then entered the U.S. Navy in August of 1945, during WWII, serving on a Destroyer in the Pacific. Following an honorable discharge, he attended UNI, then Gates Business College earning a degree in Accounting. On February 12, 1950, Merle married Joyce Pohl, from Shell Rock, Iowa, in Waverly. He worked as a public accountant in Cedar Falls and Waterloo for many years, retiring in 2004.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joyce; and sister, Thelma (Merrill) Williams. He is survived by his children, Bob (Judy) Larkin of Cedar Falls, Linda (Mike) Paup of Pueblo, CO and Barb (Kent) Burbridge of Cedar Falls; 6 grandchildren:  Brian Larkin, Christi Larkin, Kenzie (David) Story, Allie (Jonathan) Ruehlen, Haley Burbridge and Trevor Burbridge; and 4 great-grandchildren: Rilyn Story, Brynn Story, Mollie Ruehlen and Della Burbridge.

Merle lived a full 98 years, defined by his kindness, patience, unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and strong family values. He was the steady hand and loving heart at the center of our family and the quiet immeasurable strength that held all of us together. He was a truly wonderful man, a loyal friend, and our family patriarch. Most of the greatest lessons and fondest memories that we all carry, are because of him. Though his roots were firmly planted in the hard-working soil of Iowa, his love extended far beyond, wrapping around his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Wednesday September 24th from 4-7 PM at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home, 1825 West 12th Street, Cedar Falls. Merle's Funeral Service will be at 11 AM on Thursday, September 25, 2025, in the Worship Center at Nazareth Lutheran Church, 7401 University Ave., Cedar Falls, followed by Military Honors and lunch in Bethel Hall at the church. Private family burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Shell Rock. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be directed to Christian Crusaders, Nazareth Lutheran Church or the memorial designation of the donor's choice.