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Charles "Chuck" Kerwin
1957 - 2025
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Charles Kerwin Obituary
June 24, 1957 - November 7, 2025
Charles Russell Kerwin, 68, of Decatur, Ill. passed away at his home on November 7, 2025.
Chuck was born on June 24, 1957, to Charles and Beverly Shoemaker and older brother, David Murray Kerwin of Oakland, Ill. He graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1976, and then attended Sangamon State University. He later earned his Masters degree in Social Work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Chuck spent the majority of his adult life working for St. Mary's Hospital Treatment Center in Decatur, Ill. where he supported countless people in their recovery journey and later worked at Thrive Center for Wellness in Springfield, Ill. He retired in 2022.
Although he faced many health challenges, Chuck lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed being in nature, riding (and crashing) his bike, indoor rock climbing, watching Cubs baseball, camping in Utah, walking his dogs, and telling everyone exactly what was on his mind. Chuck knew everyone and everyone knew Chuck.
He was preceded in death by his biological parents, Charles and Beverly Shoemaker and adoptive parents, Richard and Elsie Jane Kerwin.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Virginia "Ginny" Kerwin of Decatur, Ill.; daughter, Elizabeth (Brian) Vogt of Petersburg, Ill., and son, Brandon (Jasmyne) Kerwin of Green Bay, Wis.; grandchildren, Evelyn Vogt and Daniel Kerwin; brother, David Murray (Jan) Kerwin of Springfield, Ill.; step-sister, Lorna (Darren) Spencer of Broken Arrow, Okla.; nephews and nieces, Charlie (Kimberly) Kerwin of Rochester, Ill., Sean (Emily) Kerwin of Peoria, Ill., Danny Kerwin (Ashlee Franken) of Peoria, Ill., Anne (Nick) Nation of Springfield, Ill., Callie Spencer of Tulsa, Okla., and Clarke Spencer of Tulsa, Okla.; many great- nieces and nephews; and numerous special friends including Chris Clifton, Rick Davis, Randy Bishop, Sue Adkins, and Mike Goode. Chuck was also a long-time friend of Bill W.
A visitation will be held on November 15, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home in Decatur, Ill. followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Chuck's honor be made to the Humane Society of Decatur and Macon County.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes at www.brintlingerandearl.com.
Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home
2827 N Oakland Ave
Decatur, IL 62526
217-875-1283
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Kerwin
Sponsored by Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes - Decatur.
1 Entry
Steve Ring
November 13, 2025
Worked with Chuck, In the boiler room at Staley's 1982. We both went thru a change nearly the same time. We both won, and he with on his convictions. He went on to serve others in his profession. I worked with a young man of strong conviction and determination. I am sorry for your loss. Steve Ring
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