Joseph Stephen "Joe" Semanik

Joseph Stephen “Joe” Semanik, 73, of Springfield, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025, at his home. He was born on April 12, 1951, to Joe and Jane Semanik of Springfield and married Janet Marshall on May 7, 1994.

Joe was raised in Springfield and was a 1969 graduate of Griffin High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and completed postgraduate work there as well. Joe began his career as a teacher at St. Agnes Grade School, before joining Horace Mann Insurance where he worked for 26 years. During his time at Horace Mann, Joe served as the president of the company’s Toastmaster group and chair of the 1991 corporate United Way Campaign. He served as an instructor for the Insurance Institute of America and was also a member of the American Society for Training and Development. His community involvement included serving as an advisor for Junior Achievement and committee-work for Troop 36 of the Boy Scouts of America. He was also active in youth baseball as an assistant coach.

He was a member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association and served ten years as president of the Park Place Condominium Association. During his time at Griffin, Joe became known for and was widely credited with introducing the “no-wind-up delivery” as a pitcher for the school’s baseball team. In 1968, the team advanced to the Elite Eight in the state tournament.

After retirement, Joe was active as a substitute teacher at area public high schools. He was a long-suffering but loyal Cubs fan, an avid reader of history and political science, and enjoyed golfing with friends and spending time with his wife and family.

Preceding Joe in death were his parents; and a brother.

He is survived by his wife, Janet of Springfield; his son, Rob (wife, Jill) of Springfield; sister, Pamela Semanik, Ph.D. (Rowland Chang, M.D.) of Chicago; a grandson; a granddaughter; a great-grandson; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Joe’s family extends their gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Bright Star Care, as well as the caregivers at HSHS Illinois Home Care and Hospice.

A Memorial Gathering to celebrate Joe’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 S. Grand Ave. West, Springfield. Family and friends are asked to please dress casually in your Cubs or favorite baseball attire.

Joe requested donations be made to the Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery in Springfield or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.