Alan Stuart Larkee, age 82, of Waupaca, WI, and Riverview, FL, passed away on December 26, 2023, in Weston, FL, the day after enjoying one last Christmas morning with his family.  Al was born in Waupaca, WI, on March 15, 1941, to the late Marvin and Margaret (Robertson) Larkee, the youngest of their nine children.  A proud Comet, he graduated from Waupaca High School in 1959.  Al later went on to serve his country as a private in the Army.  His duties included serving as the mailman on a military base in Wurzburg, Germany.  He was honorably discharged in the summer of 1965, "Release for Seasonal Employment", as he joined the family business, a traveling carnival named Tip Top Shows, and began his long career as a Showman.  On February 8, 1969, Al was married to Barbara (Edmunds) and they enjoyed almost 55 years together in a wonderful partnership of family and business.  Work and play intertwined into a full and rewarding life.

Tip Top Shows was established in 1946, when Al was but a small school-boy.  Through his childhood the business grew and became a family affair with Al's older brothers Ed, Chuck, and Paul getting involved and eventually taking over the company when Marvin passed away in 1957.  Al was still in high school at the time of his father's death and with his next oldest sibling and childhood playmate, Bob, out of the house, Al spent a couple of important years at home with his beloved mother Margaret.  After a short stint as a college student, some odd jobs around Waupaca (including a memorable time as a beer delivery man), and his time in the service, Al was ready to fully commit to joining the company that his family had worked hard to build.  The outdoor amusement business became his life's work.  Al took tremendous pride in doing his job well, being an honest businessman and being an expert mechanic, electrician, welder, painter, etc.  There was really nothing he couldn't do on a midway or when moving the carnival over the road.  Not many things made him happier than perfectly laying out a lot.  Al also took great pride in being a fair-minded boss.  He was an empathetic leader with a natural understanding of where people were in their lives and how to treat them properly. He loved that Tip Top Shows had many longtime loyal employees.

At the same time Al was making the decision to start his career out on the road he had a chance encounter with a pretty young lady who would in short time become his wife and partner in life.  Al met Barbara in the summer of 1966 at a festival in Wisconsin Rapids where she was working as a nanny for a concessionaire.  They struck up a conversation while she was working a shift in the jewelry stand and after Al tried to help himself to some merchandise he was scolded by Barb.  Al's response was "little girl, when you grow up, I'm going to marry you".  A man of his word, Barb and Al were married a few years later.  It took 8 years, many tries, and much heartbreak but in 1977, Barb and Al finally had a child.  Three years after Scott's birth they were able to adopt their niece, Cindy.  Al Larkee was one of the world's all-time greatest dads.  Patient and kind, never quick to judge or condemn, always there to help no matter the personal cost to himself.  A generation later, he had 9 grandkids.  There can be no better role model of how to live an honest, productive, happy and fulfilling life.  Alan Larkee was a great man.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara: his daughter Cindy Larkee, Riverview, FL, and son Scott (Judy) Larkee, Norwood, MA; grandchildren: Logan Exum, Shea Larkee, Sam Larkee, Lucy Lou Dills, Maureen Larkee, Joseph Larkee, Cash Dills, Michael Larkee, and Casey Larkee; a sister Janet (Gary) Pope, Westfield, WI; sisters-in-law, Nyma Larkee, Waupaca, WI, and Jean Larkee, Superior, WI.  Al is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

He is preceded in death by his parents, five brothers; Kenneth (Jeane) Larkee, Merrill, WI, Edward (Irene) Larkee, Waupaca, WI, Charles Larkee, Waupaca, WI, Paul Larkee, Waupaca, WI, and Robert Larkee, Superior, WI; and two sisters; Lois (Cruise) Switzer, Ocean Springs, MS, and Evelyn (Herman) Ashley, Hattiesburg, MS.

We love you Grampa.  Rest in Peace.