John U. Pavlik

John U. Pavlik died June 17 in Ritzville.

He was born March 22, 1921, to John U. and Lottie (Delamater) Pavlik in Buffalo, N.D. John grew up in Buffalo, N.D .; where he graduated from Buffalo High School in 1938 and later became the publisher of the Buffalo Express; a weekly newspaper in his home town.

This occupation continued until November 1941 when he enlisted in the US Army, serving four and a half years during WWII until March 1946.

He worked briefly at the Dakota Press in Valley City, N.D., until he resigned to marry Marie B. Spire of Freeland, Pa., in November 1946.

The couple moved to Williston, N.D., where he worked during 1947 at the Williston Herald. There they met Bruce and Marilynn Wilson and the foursome moved to Ritzville to operate the Ritzville Journal Times.

Marie Pavlik died April 1950. Pavlik continued his career at The Journal, serving as a printer, partner, manager and publisher, retiring in 1988.

He married Laverne Niehenke King in 1957. Mrs. King had been widowed with a daughter, Dorann. Connie Sue joined the family a year later.

John was active in community affairs serving as: president of the Ritzville Jaycees, the Ritzville Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club and past commander of the C.J. Newland Post 51 of the American Legion.

John also served on the board of the Red Cross and Ritzville School District.

Together with Laverne, he served as co-chairman of the building committee for the present St. Agnes Catholic Church in Ritzville.

Statewide: he served as president of the Washington Jaycees and was a board member from Washington State to the US Junior Chamber of Commerce. Following his service he was named an honorary senator to the Junior Chamber International. He served as president of the Washington Newspaper Publishers’ Association and was a 10 year representative from Washington State to the National Newspaper Association; where he served on various committees.

He was a 10-year board of directors at the Bank of Whitman and past president of the 1255th Engineer Combat Battalion (WWII) Reunion Association.

He is survived by his two daughters, grandchildren and siblings.

Per John’s request there will be no services held. Private Inurnment will be at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to: Ritzville Lions Club American Legion Building Fund C/O Leffel Otis and Warwick 219 W Main Ritzville.

Danekas Funeral Home and Crematory-Ritzville is entrusted with arrangements.