Lavona Lanik

Lavona Joyce Lanik, age 90 years, 10 months, 17 days of Wahoo, Nebraska went home to be with her Lord on November 6, 2025. She was a devoted wife to Lloyd Donald Lanik and beloved mother to Daniel Roy Lanik and Glenda Jean Lanik, who are her gifts from God, and later a cherished grandmother to Rachel Lanik Whelan.

Lavona was born on the family farm north of Utica, Nebraska on December 20, 1934 to Herman and Vera (Hafner) Richters.

On April 7, 1935, through the power of the water and the Word in Holy Baptism, the Holy Spirit created faith in Lavona’s heart, made her a child of God and a member of God’s Kingdom of Grace. Lavona was confirmed as a member of the Missouri Synod Lutheran faith. She was known for her love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God.

Lavona graduated as Valedictorian from Utica High School in 1953. She attended Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska for two years and taught school in a Lutheran elementary school and later taught in several public schools. She graduated in 1970 from Concordia Teachers College with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Education, minor in art and she completed the course of study prescribed by the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod for Lutheran teachers. She spent 37 years teaching in both public and parochial schools. She was a kind and compassionate teacher who dedicated her life to shaping young minds and inspiring a love for learning. Lavona found joy in music and art. She played the piano, organ and harmonica, taught piano lessons and was an excellent painter.

Lavona is survived by her son Daniel Roy Lanik; daughter Glenda Jean Lanik (Gerald Whelan Jr.); granddaughter Rachel Lanik Whelan (Richard Viglucci); sister Joan Fiala; nephews and nieces Roy Richters Jr. (Cristy), Lisa Searles, Amber Hoban (Jake), Diane Rauh (Stuart), James Anctil (Robin), Tracy Anctil, Mark Mandelko (Pat), Mike Mandelko (Patti), Janae McCormick (Kerry), Tim Lanik (Cindy), Teri West (Doug), Bruce Lanik, Bob Lanik (Sherri), John Lanik (Alison), Jim Lanik (Andrea); and many other relatives, students and friends. She was a beloved soul who touched many lives.

Lavona was preceded in death by her beloved husband Lloyd D. Lanik, her parents Herman and Vera Richters and her brother Roy Richters Sr.

The funeral will be Friday, November 14, 2025, at 10:00 am at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1245 N. Locust Street, Wahoo Nebraska. The visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Pruss Nabity Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, St. Jude, or Boys Town.