Larry Allen Wilkin

Larry Allen Wilkin, age 79 of Albia, passed away suddenly on March 30, 2023. Larry was born on March 29, 1944, in Ottumwa, IA to Allen and Ethel (Anderson) Wilkin. He graduated from Albia Community High School in 1962. He also attended one year at William Penn University. Larry married Sharon Elizabeth Antolik on August 5, 1967 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa. To this union two daughters were born, Joni Lynn and Julie Ann. At a young age he became very involved in 4-H and specifically showing cattle. His love for cattle has always been a big part of his life. He worked for several years at Mahoney Manufacturing which would later become Chamberlain Mfg. serving as a foreman. After the plant closed, he began farming full time. He raised cattle, hogs, sheep and donkeys. You never knew what he might have on hand or what ‘good deal’ he found at the sale barn. He was also a cattle buyer for many farmers in Southern Iowa. Every day, Larry and his truck and trailer could be found on the road headed to a sale barn. He was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Albia. He was a long-time member of the Albia Lion’s Club. And enjoyed a cup of coffee at Hardee’s with his buddies. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and rooted proudly for the Kansas City Chiefs. But above all, he loved his family. As an only child Larry welcomed the opportunity to love those that meant the most to him. He Loved his wife, would fight for his daughters and go to war defending his grandkids. Larry enjoyed attending the grandkids activities. From sporting events, rodeos and cattle showing. He hardly missed any of them. No matter how far he needed to travel. Surviving Larry is his wife of 55 years, and best friend, Sharon; daughters Joni Murphy and Julie (Dan) Stocker. Three special grandsons; Justen Murphy (Kelsey Rockwell), Cameron and Carson Stocker. Three special great grandchildren; Jack, Jace and Blakely Murphy. Sister and Brother In Laws; Andy and Rita Antolik, Steve and Pat Shelton. And many dear relatives and friends. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Ethel Wilkin; his in-laws Andy & Ann Antolik; and sister-in-law Carol Presley. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 2, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Larry’s family present to greet family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 3, 2023, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Albia, with Rev. Ronald Myers officiating. Burial will follow services at Service Chapel Cemetery in Albia. A memorial has been established to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Albia.

Larry Allen Wilkin

March 29, 1944 - March 30, 2023