Derek Larkins-Kobeska

Derek “Big D” Larkins-Kobeska, age 30, of Osseo, WI, formerly of Mondovi, WI, passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. Derek was born on February 17, 1991 to parents Curtis Larkins & Monica Kobeska in Robbinsdale, MN. Though he was born in Minnesota, Derek was a raised in Mondovi, WI & graduated from Mondovi High School with the class of 2009. After high school, he attended CVTC in Eau Claire, WI to attain his certification in quality control inspection. Derek spent most of his working career with Ashley Furniture using his education to ensure quality production of the furniture coming out of their factory for seven years. Most recently, he was with Kwik Trip in Eau Claire, WI where he enjoyed interacting with the all the different types of customers he would see on a daily basis. Derek was a hard worker, but there was nowhere he’d rather be than in the great outdoors. He was a true, down-to-Earth, Wisconsin-blooded outdoorsman, who was rarely seen without his signature camouflage hat & cowboy boots. Derek never missed deer hunting season, & was an accomplished hunter with both the rifle & bow. He found joy & peace on the open water, & took every opportunity he could to go fishing. In the summertime, Derek’s preferred method of transportation was on the 4-wheeler; & in the wintertime, it was his snowmobile. He knew the local trails like the back of his hand, & loved taking his friends down the best routes. He also loved to play softball, & was a member of multiple local leagues, & played several times a week during the season, rain or shine, for many years. Derek was very outgoing, & couldn’t help but make friends wherever he went. He was also a family man, & couldn’t be prouder of his four year-old son, Kiylyn. Derek’s favorite pastime was sharing with Kiylyn all the things he loved to do, like shooting a bow or putting a line in the water & trying to reel in a big one. He himself was a gracious son to his loving mother, Monica; & she will always treasure the special bond they shared. The loss of Derek will be grieved deeply by many; but the love & friendship he shared during his short time on Earth will live on in the hearts of those who knew him best.

Derek will remain in the hearts of his mother, Monica Kobeska of Boyceville, WI; son, Kiylyn Thom; fiancée, Ashley Sells of Osseo, WI; brothers, C.J. Larkins of Woodbury, MN, & Andrew Larkins of Minneapolis, MN; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, & countless friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Curtis Larkins; maternal grandparents, Raymond & Ramona Kobeska; & uncle, Paul Kobeska.

A Celebration of Derek’s Life will be held from 1:00-4:00 P.M, Friday, April 30, 2021 at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 1010 Newton St. Baldwin, WI 54002, with a Sharing of Stories & Memories to follow at 4:00 P.M. A Private Family Interment will take place at a later date at the Greenwood Cemetery of Emerald, WI. For more information, please call 715-684-3434, or email