Memorial
Ralph Wasik, a beloved member of the Cedar Rapids community, passed away peacefully on April 22nd. Ralph had celebrated his 75th birthday the day before, surrounded by family and enjoying his favorite meal.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 45 years, Denise, their two adult sons, Scott and Eric, and his brother, Ronald. Ralph delighted in his only grandson, William, who thinks of his grandfather as someone who had “so much love in his heart.”
Ralph was known for his unwavering dedication to his family, his kindness towards others, and his good-natured and jovial spirit. Ralph never knew a stranger.
Born in St. Paul, Minnesota to Ralph Sr. and Joyce Wasik, Ralph was raised in Richfield, Minnesota and moved with his family to Cedar Rapids as a teenager. Ralph attended George Washington High School, graduating with the class of 1967. Next, he attended St. Olaf College in Minnesota, where he graduated cum laude and played football for the Lions, graduating in 1971. One of his greatest sources of pride was being a member of St. Olaf’s undefeated 1970 team.
While studying for his law degree at the University of North Dakota School of Law, Ralph joined the US Army Reserves, training at Ft. Lee Virginia Quartermaster School. After earning his Juris Doctor degree, he practiced law for several years in Des Moines and St. Louis before returning to Cedar Rapids to start and raise his family. He joined the family business, Rapids Reproductions, a reprographic company owned and operated by his father Ralph Sr. since 1974. Ralph succeeded his brother Ronald as CEO in 1992, leading the company for nearly three successful decades.
Outside of his professional life, Ralph was known for his integrity and civic engagement. He was deeply involved in his church community at St. Mark’s Church, and was a long-time member of the St. Mark’s choir. He also enjoyed singing with the Harmony Hawks Barbershop Chorus, and was a proud member of the Cedar Rapids Noon Lions Club, serving as a past president.
Ralph leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and service that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community.
A visitation will be held at 10:00 am with a service to follow at 11:00 am on May 10th, 2024 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made either to the St. Mark’s Foundation or the Cedar Rapids Noon Lions Club.