John "Jack" Lakus

John “Jack” Lakus age 75 of Mentor, formerly of Cleveland, Northfield, and Slavic Village, died Friday February 5, 2016 at Hospice House, Cleveland. He was born June 30, 1940 in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Mr. Lakus was a former athletic director, assistant principal, and wrestling coach as well as a biology and science teacher. He taught at Mayfield, Nordonia, and St. Ignatius before retiring from Riverside High School in Painesville. Jack was a graduate of Bowling Green State University. He achieved a master’s degree in biology and coursework toward his Ph.D. In 1993, he was recognized by GTE as a Gift Fellow in the Growth Initiatives for Teachers Award Program for the Advancement of Secondary Mathematics and Science. As a wrestling coach, Jack coached the very first state champion for Riverside High School in 1988. Mike Richner, the state champion, is now the wrestling coach at Riverside High School. After retirement, he volunteered to help his son’s wrestling team at Wickliffe High School for several years. Jack was a member and volunteer of The Holden Arboretum. As a licensed bird bander, he assisted with the bluebird project as well as many other events at The Arb. An avid outdoorsman since his youth, Jack loved fly fishing and anxiously awaited the run of the steelhead. Jack was a trained therapy dog handler through Therapy Dogs International. He found great reward in taking his golden retriever, Chip, to Lake East Hospital and other places where he could give comfort. He was a U.S. Army veteran. As a tank commander, he was stationed at Ft. Hood in Washington. Survivors include his wife of 18 years; Christine (Panning) Lakus, son, Scott Lakus, step-daughter, Dr. Lauren Raymer Heller (Derrick), grandson, Charles Lakus, sister, Gloria Yeager (James), dogs: Poppett and Mojo. Preceding Jack in death is his first wife, Connie Saranita Lakus, parents, John and Mary Lakus, and his therapy dog: Chip. A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at 1pm on Saturday February 13, 2016 at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, Ohio 44060. The family will receive friends 4-8 pm on Friday, February 12, 2016 at the funeral home. Bring your favorite “Jack joke.” Private family inurnment will be in All Saints Cemetery, Northfield, OH. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Holden Arboretum, 9550 Sperry Rd, Kirtland Hills, OH 44094 or Hospice of the Western Reserve 17876 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland 44110. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

John "Jack" Lakus

June 30, 1940 - February 5, 2016