John Allen Lanik

According to the many stories we heard growing up, Dad and his friends had quite an adventurous childhood while growing up in quiet little Wahoo. He stayed there for a few years after graduating high school, attending Luther College. In 1948 he and his good friend, Jim Lindercamp, came out west seeking employment. Dad was hired at Hanford in their security department. It was there that he met our Mom, Vera Pelela, who had also come out west from Sioux City, IA, seeking employment. Their home towns were 100 miles apart, and they met each other in the Tri-Cities. Apparently it was love at first sight, because they got married 3 months later on January 7, 1949. In a few more days, they would have been celebrating their 67th wedding anniversary.

Dad and Mom had a great life together. Dad’s work as a traveling salesman took him all over the state of Washington and to parts of Idaho. He sold office supplies and special printing orders, first for The Yakima Bindery for 13 years, then for Trick and Murray, out of Seattle for 20 years. In the mid 80’s, Dad started his own business called Washington Courthouse Supply. “Best business decision I ever made!” When not working, Dad and Mom took some wonderful trips. Their adventures took them to Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean Islands, Las Vegas, Reno, and every conceivable way you could travel to and from Wahoo, NE and Sioux City, IA. My brother and I have seen most of the National Parks in the Western part of the United States as a result of Dad and Mom’s vacations.

Dad loved music. Boy, what an understatement! His favorites were songs from the big band era, and he and Mom were huge Barbra Streisand fans. He even wrote several songs, and tried so hard to get one of them performed by one of their favorite artists. It never happened, but he sure gave it the good old college try. He also loved stamp collecting, and watching various sporting events on TV.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Vera Lanik, daughter Linda (John) DePew of Yakima, son John R. Lanik of Las Vegas, grandson Brad DePew and wife Kristen of Seattle, and grandson Brett DePew and wife Sue of Coeur d’Alene, ID. He also leaves behind 3 darling great grandchildren, Nick, Olivia, and Henry.

Our family would like to express its thanks to the Glen Groves family, who over the years, have shown friendship, love, and support beyond measure to our Dad and Mom. Also, to the many caregivers and staff at Brookdale, thank you for your patience and kindness.

Viewing will be held at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home on Thursday, January 7, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home on Friday, January 8, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Private interment will be at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. To celebrate the life of John and share a memory visit www.lepfuneralhome.com.