Ralph Joseph Lanik

November 13, 1939 - January 23, 2023

Ralph Joseph Lanik, age 83, of Tucson, Arizona passed away on Monday, January 23, 2023. After several years of declining health, he died peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Ralph was born in Wahoo, Nebraska to Frank and Rose (Brtek) Lanik. Ralph was the 7th of 8 children. He graduated from Wahoo High School in 1959 and moved to Tucson, Arizona shortly thereafter. In 1960, Ralph began his 52-year career as a successful businessman in the Electrical Wholesale industry until his retirement in 2012. Ralph was known to many in the industry as “Boomer” due to his strong work ethic and driven personality.

In his younger years, Ralph was a Little League baseball coach and thrived on developing his ball players into men. He was an important part of many kids’ lives in the Little League community for more than 20 years. “Coach Lanik” successfully led a team to the 1973 National Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Ralph adored his grandkids, always cheering them on and supporting them at sporting events and activities. His great-grandchildren especially brought a smile to “Papa’s” face and helped him through the challenging struggles toward the end of his life. He loved the outdoors, fishing with his boys at his Lake Roberts, New Mexico cabin and cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Ralph was a devout Catholic and passionate about his faith. He was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus and proudly served in the US Army Reserve. Dad, Papa, Coach, and Boomer -- You are loved and respected by so many. You were a role model and mentor. We will miss you dearly and can’t wait until we meet again!

Ralph is survived by his wife Irene Felix Lanik; his children Diana Lanik Miner (Steve), Dale Lanik (Lynda), and Jeff Lanik (Crystal); former spouse and children’s mother Lois Hardy (Ron); his step daughters Jennifer Morales and Rita Barton (Corey); his brother Ven Lanik (Willa); plus, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Rose (Brtek) Lanik; his brothers Francis Lanik, Leo Lanik, Godfrey Lanik, Bernard Lanik, Larry Lanik; and sister Rose Marie (Posie) Lanik Cermak.

Memorial services include:

Rosary Service and Memorial

Wednesday, February 1st at 5:00 PM

South Lawn Mortuary

5401 S Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706

Funeral Mass and Luncheon

Thursday, February 2nd at 10:00 AM

St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Parish

5150 N Valley View Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718

LiveStream Link for the Mass: https://youtu.be/-eC16TtvmnU

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Every Kid Sports in memory of Coach Lanik: www.gofundme.com/f/ralph-lanik