Karen Sue Manna, 73 of Valparaiso, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. She was born on May 27, 1952 in Gary, Indiana, the daughter of Walter and Bessie (Vasil) Semplinski, Jr. Karen was a loving wife and mother who despite all odds, always chose peace and love above all. She devoted her life to motherhood and had a love of crocheting, leaving her art for her family to cherish.
Karen is survived by her mother, Bessie Semplinski; children, Michelo (Lissette) Manna, Melinda “Mindy” Cirak, and Kristi (George) Dresbaugh; grandchildren, Romeo Manna, Hunter, Analyse, Gavin, Kendra, and Greenlee Cirak, and Josh (Danielle) Dresbaugh; great granddaughter, Anna Dresbaugh; sisters, Shari (Mike) Kucik and Judy Semplinski; and nephews, Ryan and Jacob Kucik. She was preceded in death by her father, Walter and husband, Michael J. Manna in 2025.
