Larkin Mergenthal, age 75, of Twin Valley, Minnesota, died Sunday, July 11, 2010, in MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota.

Larkin was born October 21, 1934, in Hillsboro, North Dakota, to Willard and Lillian (Watne) Mergenthal. He grew up in the Hillsboro area where he attended country school and then public school. Following his schooling, Larkin helped his father with the chores on the farm. He was united in marriage to Violet Freeland on November 24, 1951. The couple made their home on Larkin's parent's farm and began raising their family which included twin daughters, Verna and Vickie and younger daughter, Linda.

Over the years, Larkin helped with the farming, worked as a self employed mechanic and managed the Phillips 66 Station in Ada, Minnesota, for several years. When the Phillips 66 closed, Larkin moved his family to the Flom, Minnesota, area. After living near Flom for 20+ years, Larkin and Violet moved to Kief, North Dakota, where he managed the elevator. Upon his retirement, they moved back to the Twin Valley area where they have lived since.

A cowboy…Larkin's personality was such. From an early age, he had a genuine love for animals, especially horses. He was often around them and owned and raised several of his own at any given time. Larkin also dressed the part, wearing western shirts, cowboy hats and always a pair of boots on his feet. In addition to his cowboy nature, Larkin had a great sense of humor and was thought of as a practical joker. He enjoyed playing jokes on people and would visit with anyone and everyone. On a more serious note, Larkin had a strong faith for the Lord. He instilled those principles in each of his children and grandchildren. His favorite scripture included a passage from Exodus chapter 20:12 "Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."

Larkin is survived by his wife, Violet, of Twin Valley; two daughters, Vickie (Stevan) Crompton of Borup, Minnesota and Linda Bina of Grand Forks, North Dakota; 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; a brother, David (Marie) Mergenthal of Minneapolis, Minnesota; three sisters: Judy (Mervin) Freeland of Hillsboro, North Dakota, Lilas Olson and Delia McGee both of West Fargo, North Dakota. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Verna Jensen; four grandchildren: Nicki Jensen, Michael Taylor, Karlie Kvien and Mia Jensen; and one brother, Jennings Mergenthal.

Funeral Services was held on Friday, July 16, 2010, at 2:00 PM in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel, Twin Valley. Visitation was Thursday, July 15th from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 6:30 PM in the Anderson Funeral Home and one hour before services at the funeral home on Friday. Officiating was Pastor Karla Mickelson. Pallbearers were all of Larkin's grandchildren.

Inurnment was in the Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, Minnesota.