Chuck Kerwin

Charles Russell Kerwin, 68, of Decatur, Illinois 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, Illinois. 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, IL where he supported countless people in their recovery journey and later worked at Thrive Center for Wellness in Springfield, IL. 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, IL; daughter, Elizabeth (Brian) Vogt of Petersburg, IL, and son, Brandon (Jasmyne) Kerwin of Green Bay, WI; grandchildren, Evelyn Vogt and Daniel Kerwin; brother, David Murray (Jan) Kerwin of Springfield, IL; step-sister Lorna (Darren) Spencer of Broken Arrow, OK; nephews and nieces, Charlie (Kimberly) Kerwin of Rochester, IL, Sean (Emily) Kerwin of Peoria, IL, Danny Kerwin (Ashlee Franken) of Peoria, IL, Anne (Nick) Nation of Springfield, IL, Callie Spencer of Tulsa, OK, and Clarke Spencer of Tulsa, OK; 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 1:00 – 3:00 PM at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home in Decatur, IL followed by a memorial service at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Chuck’s honor be made to the Humane Society of Decatur and Macon County.