Charles Rudin

Charles Rudin

BENSON - Charles L. "Chuck" Rudin, 91, of Benson, Ill., passed away on Thursday January 29, at his residence.

He was born on September 24, 1934 to Lester B. and Erma M. Verkler Rudin. Along with his sister Patrica Johnson, he lived much of his childhood in Hudson, Ill. She survives.

He married Patty Miller on July 13, 1956 in Benson, Ill. Surviving is his wife of 69 years, Patty Rudin; one son, Randy (Diane) Rudin; one daughter, Lynn (Leslie) Rudin; four grandchildren, Christopher (Emily) vonSeele, Shelley Rudin, Kayla (Paul) Ooton, Carson (Paulina) Gray; and three great-grandchildren, Aila, Ellsie, and Charlie.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Chuck spent his career working in the petroleum and gas industry. He delivered fuel for over 40 years to area homes, farmers and businesses. He was an important part of building present day I-39, which continues to be a major north/south transportation highway.

Chuck loved and served his community in many capacities over the years. He was a volunteer fireman for the Benson Fire Department. He was a member of the Benson Village board and enjoyed coaching youth sports including the little league, pony league, and women's softball. He also loved playing for The Benson Merchants, the local fast-pitch softball team and played for St. Paul Lutheran Church in slow-pitch league.

He was an avid sportsman and loved to crappie fish from Tennessee to Canada, but Lake Bloomington was his favorite fishing hole. Whenever his friends saw his name on the caller ID, they knew he was either checking on the latest fishing report or sharing tales of his day on the water. He also loved hunting and, in his younger years, would drag his buddies down to Southern Illinois to meet his Uncle Paul to goose and duck hunt.

He was a die-hard Cubs, Bears and Illini fan. His loyalty to the Cubs paid off when they won the World Series in 2016. Chuck spent many hours on the phone discussing game outcomes with his good buddies. He didn't just watch his favorite teams play; he also watched any sport he could find on TV.

Chuck loved playing euchre and was always ready to play (and win)! He competed in bocci ball throughout Central Illinois and never passed up a chance for a little friendly competition.

When it came to dessert, Chuck loved any homemade pie he could get his fork into, often declaring – with a grin – that his favorite kind of pie was "round".

He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Benson.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. A celebration of Chuck's life will follow, officiated by Pastor Rick Hertenstein. A private burial will be at a later date in Clayton Township Cemetery in Benson.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benson Fire Department or to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Benson. Online condolences and tributes may be sent to the family at knappjohnsonharris.com.