Victoria Jean Semerau

Vicky Semerau passed away peacefully at home on Mother's Day, May 11, 2025. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 24, 1945, Victoria lived a life of deep faith, unwavering love, and sincere gratitude. She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Larry Semerau; her children, John (Kathleen) Semerau, Joanne (Charles) Lipuma, and Jacquelyn (Mark) Tait. She was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren: Joshua, Jerica, Jake, Amanda, Hannah, Sam, Mattison, and Sophia; and a loving great-grandmother to eighteen great-grandchildren. Victoria is also survived by her two sisters, JoAnn Barnes and Margie Lechowicz. She met the love of her life in high school. Larry was smitten the first time he saw her and started to pursue her. It wasn't until friends set them up on a blind date her freshman year of high school that she realized this was her guy! They had to wait until they were old enough to get married but did so at their first opportunity. They spent the next 62 years together. She gave birth to John and Joanne early in their marriage. Larry was in the Navy and would get home every chance he could to see his young growing family. Vicky decided to devote herself to her children as a stay-at-home mom. Years later, she gave birth to Jacki. She raised her three children with selfless grace and strength. As a mother and a wife, she gave of herself completely - never seeking recognition, only wanting to serve and support her family in every way possible. She was selfless in the truest sense of the word, always putting the needs of her family ahead of her own. Her gentle presence, her warm hugs, and her unwavering encouragement made home a place of safety, laughter, and love. She taught by example - showing what it meant to live with grace, humility, and deep faith. In her heart of hearts, Vicky was a teacher. Her favorite subject? Jesus! Vicky started teaching CCD for junior high students at the Catholic Church she attended in the 70's. As a visual learner, she wanted a visual way to explain how the stories in the Bible all fit together. What she created ended up being the foundation for Bible curriculum she called "Get the Picture" - a visual chart designed to help people understand how the stories of the Bible all work together to point to the Cross. What began as a simple teaching tool became a worldwide ministry, used by missionaries and churches across the globe. Alongside her dear friends Lauren Locker and Nancy Spencer, she taught the chart to churches, small groups, and missionaries. Through Nancy and many others, Get the Picture has been used around the world and translated into multiple languages, continuing to share the message of Jesus across cultures and generations. Her greatest joy later in life was being a part of her grandchildren's lives. She was only 40 years old when her first grandchild, Joshua, was born. She brought a youthful energy and endless devotion to her grandchildren. She was proud of the fact that she taught all eight grandkids how to swim. She loved playing games with them, teaching them about Jesus, and helping them create crafts and games that they all remember fondly. She cherished the opportunity to not only be a grandma, but to have been an influence of love and faith. She also cherished being a part of her great grandchildren's lives as well and took any opportunity she could to spend time with them if possible. For the great grandchildren who lived in other areas of the country, she created relationships with them in creative ways. She loved when she would get pictures of them - either texted to her directly or shared with her through social media - and said it made her feel as though she were connected to them. Above all, she prayed. She prayed for her family, her friends, for people she never met. She was a prayer warrior. She had a heart for the persecuted Christians in countries that don't allow for religious freedom. In her last years, one of her greatest honors was to be a part of the prayer team for Palm West Community Church in Sun City West, AZ. Vicky's life message was one of gratitude. When asked what wisdom she would like to share and pass on to her generations of family and friends, she responded with, "Find something to be thankful for - and there's ALWAYS something."