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BORN
1948
DIED
2025
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Karen Semancik Obituary
November 14, 1948 - August 29, 2025
Karen Semancik, 76, of Huntley, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home on August 29, 2025.
She was born on November 14, 1948, in Gary, Indiana to John and Marianne (Jakab) Rattay. She married the love of her life, John "J" Semancik, in Gary, Indiana in 1975. The couple recently celebrated 50 years together.
For over 30 years, Karen taught at several elementary schools and earned many awards including the Crystal Bell Award. Following retirement, Karen and J moved to Del Webb in 2008.
Karen was a skilled quilter, fabric artist, and crafter. She was an avid tennis player and enjoyed taking road trips across the USA. Her other hobbies included baking/cooking, gardening, reading/book club, watching tennis, Notre Dame football & White Sox baseball, and cheering on her grandkids at all their sporting events. She was a devoted grandmother known fondly as "Grammy" and "Gee". She leaves behind a legacy of love that will never be forgotten.
She is survived by her husband, J Semancik; her daughters, Julie Wade and Carolyn (Mike) Sasse; her brothers, Ken (Sherry) Rattay and Denny (the late Lynda) Rattay; her grandchildren, Connor, Myla, Layton, and Addy; her nephews, Denny Jr. (Julie), Matt (Sedny), and Kyle; her grand-niece, Ella, and her grand-nephews, Meier and Xzander.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 9 a.m. until time of Mass at 10 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Huntley, Illinois. A private family burial will be held at St. John Cemetery in Hammond, IN. Memorial donations are suggested to Gilda's Club Chicago.
For service information, please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772, or online memories and condolences may be shared at www.defiorefuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Semancik
Sponsored by The Times.
4 Entries
Deb Gregor Thomas
September 7, 2025
Love and prayers to Karen's family. I'm confident her journey to heaven was a blessed one.
The Smitka
September 7, 2025
Deepest sympathy. She was such a kind and wonderful teacher.
Marybeth Serwacki
September 7, 2025
My deepest sympathy to Jay, Julie and Carolyn. I´ve known Jay all my life and Karen also. She was a sweet person and great teacher. My daughter, Gretchen Peters, was in Karen´s kindergarten class at Happy Days in Highland, IN. I think that was Karen´s first year at Happy Days.
Hugs to you Jay. Take care and enjoy all your memories left behind of your life with Karen
Diane Puplava
September 6, 2025
Dear J, Julie and Carolyn. My heart aches for you during this time of grief. Remember that Karen has not left you. She is closer to you than ever through your shared love.
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Funeral services provided by:
DeFiore Funeral & Cremation Service10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL 60142
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