I am not the first and certainly won’t be the last to lose a beloved spouse. We met through Leadership Springfield, married in 1994 and shared 30 exceptional years.
Joe was so smart, quick-witted and funny, as well as handsome and hot! He kept me thinking and laughing. He was truly my best friend. One of Joe’s Griffin High School baseball teammates said he was “one hell of a ballplayer.” And, he was…a talented pitcher, good teammate and friend.
We did all kinds of fun things together … picnics at the lake and Allerton Park. Trips to Mexico, Canada, southern Illinois and our favorite, Sanibel Island. Sometimes it was just an afternoon drive to New Salem and a walk through the village and fragrant fall leaves. I was about to give up on finding my person, then one day love came for me through Joe. I shared my life with an incredibly special man, and gained a terrific son, who I also adore.
Letting Joe go was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, but it was his choice as he was weary due to failing health. I felt lucky to have him at home the last five weeks of his life. I miss talking to him, touching him and loving on him. Joe Semanik was the best thing that ever happened to me.
-Wife Janet Semanik
This article appears in January 1-7, 2026.
