Dr. Edwin R. Larkin
Dr. Edwin R. Larkin, 87, a pillar of public health in Wisconsin/mid-Michigan and a preventative healthcare pioneer, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on October 17, 2023, in Lansing, Michigan.
Ed cared deeply about his family and friends, his neighbors, and his community. He took great care with the younger generations to share his world and knowledge with them, encouraging and mentoring them to think bigger and think beyond. He enriched the lives of those he loved with books and sweets. You never knew what thoughtful token you might find delivered to your doorstep.
Also, a prolific writer, he captured his thoughts, feelings, observations and marked special moments and occasions in his life with words and verse amassing a lifetime of poetry that is treasured beyond measure.
Ed was the son of Roland and Helen (neé Krismer) Larkin born September 3, 1936, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He graduated from Aquinas Catholic High School in 1954 and pursued a Bachelor of Science at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. Ed graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health in Madison in 1962 and completed his medical residency at Georgetown University Hospital in 1963.
He married the love-of-his-life, Janice Laylan, on June 9, 1962, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She brought spirited fun to Ed’s serious nature. Together, they created a rich, beautiful life full of family, great friendships, music, travel, and adventure.
Serving in Vietnam from 1963-1966, Ed was a Captain in the US Army HHC 25th Infantry Division APO SF 96225 USARV as a surgeon and physician. He was awarded three medals of commendation for his service.
Deeply committed to his education, Ed went on to complete a Master of Public Health from the University of California Berkeley in 1971 and settled in Hawaii where he was an Associate Professor in Public Health at the University of Hawaii Manoa. He served as the Assistant State Health Officer in Madison, Wisconsin from 1973 to 1980. Moving to Charlotte, Michigan, he served as the Barry-Eaton District Health Officer for 16-years retiring in 1996. Throughout his tenure, Ed specialized in the health of individuals and communities focusing on how to protect and maintain health as well as prevent disease.
Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 61-years, Janice, and their two children, Erin (Karen) Larkin of Charlotte, Michigan, and Curtis (Jayne) Larkin of Minneapolis, Minnesota; three grandchildren: Skyler (Cambria) Larkin, Jenna (Jared) Burzan and Gillian Larkin; two great-grandchildren, Addy and Julian, along with his sisters, Mary Evans of Tucson, Arizona, and Sue Gilbert of La Crosse, Wisconsin; 10 nieces & nephews and wonderful friends & neighbors who were like family. He left an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Roland & Helen Larkin, and his younger brother, Donnie.
Funeral services with full military honors will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, 1p.m., at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Charlotte, Michigan, with a family visitation one hour prior. A celebration of life luau will immediately follow at the VFW Post 2406 in Charlotte, Michigan. In lieu of flowers or memorials, please honor Ed’s lifetime commitment to local community health with a donation in his name to the Eaton Community Health Initiative: https://ech-eaton.org/what-we-do/ The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.