Memorial services for John Joseph Laudick II, 69, of Lawrence, will be held at 11:00am Friday, August 29, 2025, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
John died Friday, August 22, 2025, at his home after a short illness, surrounded by his family.
John was born November 10, 1955, in Spearville, Kansas, the son of Raymond and Leona (Thesing) Laudick. He graduated from Spearville High School, attended Dodge City Community College, and earned his bachelor and graduate degrees from Fort Hays State University.
John taught and coached for over 40 years; he retired from Royal Valley Middle School in 2018.
While John loved to put on the appearance that he was a gruff, grumpy guy, he was truly a softie with a great sense of humor. He was a loyal, dependable husband, dad, family member and friend who enjoyed the simple things in life. John loved sports, especially KU and the Chiefs, as well as fishing and golfing. He took immense pride in his grandsons and was always in attendance at all of their sporting events, school programs and activities.
He married Beth Steitz in 1982, in Garden City, Kansas; they divorced. He married Dana (Bateson) Galliart in 2008; she survives of the home.
Other survivors include daughters Lindsey (Michael) Holladay, Lawrence, and Whitney (Nick) Haehl, Lawrence; grandsons Mason and Maddox Holladay, Lawrence; two brothers, Roger (Nancy) Laudick, Council Grove, Kansas, and Greg (Andrea) Laudick, Lenexa, Kansas; three sisters, Bonnie Laudick, Spearville, Kansas, Phyllis Butts, Minneola, Kansas, and Lana (Mike) Smith, Gladstone, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Lyle Laudick, sister Charlene Nufer, and nephews Lonny Laudick and Travis Laudick.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Kansas Coaches Association, 704 N. Osage, Girard, KS 66743.
So sorry for your loss Dana!! Keeping you in my prayers 🙏 ❤️
John, always made me laugh and put a smile on my face. You will be missed. Heaven will welcome you with open arms. God bless
May you and your family feel God’s presence and may His love give you strength during this time. Our prayers for you Dana and his family. You are in our thoughts.
Lana, I saw the Laudick name in the obituary and remembered you had a brother in Lawrence. I’m sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed hearing about your large-ish family. I know how fiercely you advocated for your brother Lyle. Our siblings are a thread back to our earliest years and a co- keeper of many memories . You are in my thoughts today.
John and I grew up together in Spearville KS. We were childhood friends. Our lives took different paths, but I will always cherish the memories of 2 boys getting up to silly adventures in a small town. My condolences to John’s family. I know he will be deeply missed.
Whitney- We’re truly sorry for the passing of your father and we pray for comfort and peace during this difficult time for you and your family.
Whitney – Please know we are holding you and your family in our hearts as you grieve for and celebrate your father’s life. With condolences and love, Karen Healy & Bill DeRoin
RIP John… I got to know you when we were both coaching in Holcomb. You were a pleasure being around, with your witty and sometimes dry sense of humor. I never could tell if he was serious or joking until you could see that sly grin come out. I got to see you occasionally in Lawrence in later years at ballgames and you were always a pleasure to chat with. See you again, my friend.
My deepest heartfelt condolences to you Dana, sending Loving hugs & prayers for strength ❤️
I coached middle school football with John at Holcomb for about 10 years, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed. He DID come across as gruff and grumpy (which was part of his “act”), but the kids could never tell which was the act and which wasn’t, which entertained all of us even more. A truly wonderful guy. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Dana and family, I was so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I only met him once but was impressed with his friendliness and smile. You have my sympathy and prayers.
My sincere condolences go out to your family. I taught with John at RVMS. He was truly a great person.
John was my 6th grade teacher while he taught in Holcomb. Always enjoyed going to class, he made learning fun. With time I I ended up teaching with him in Garden City, he was fun to work with as well. Sorry to hear of his passing.
To the Laudick family – I’m so sorry for the loss of John. He was a member of the class of 1973 with me. I hadn’t seen him for years but remember him as being quiet and didn’t smile much but that was his personality. I hope he is no longer suffering and in the hands of God. May he RIP.
Jeannie Schuette Scott
Dana: I’m so sorry to hear this news about John. I will be thinking about you & the family. I will keep you in my prayers.
Rest in the peace of Jesus dear brother until we meet again. Love and miss you.
I am so sorry to heard of John passing. I have your family in my thoughts and prayers.