Obituary of Charles Goodwin

Charles Robert Goodwin, 86, of Zion, IL, died December 18, 2017 at home surrounded by his family.

Charlie was born April 29, 1931 in Zion, IL and lived in the area all of his life.  He was a graduate of Warren High School in Gurnee, IL and played semi-pro football with the Lake County Rifles and Racine Raiders. He served honorably with the United States Army.  He married Mary Catherine Casterton on June 20, 1953.  Charlie was a life-long farmer, having farmed with the Casterton/Goodwin family farm through 1992, then with Richards Farms through October 2017.  Charlie founded Goodwin Racing in 1967, and began the legacy that he shared with his sons Greg and Jeff, and eventually his grandson Garrett. He was a lifelong member of North Prairie United Methodist Church.  He served on the Board of Directors of the
Newport Township Fire Department for more than 20 years.  Charlie was endlessly humble and influential to so many. He loved snowmobiling, racing, long road trips in the country, Native American culture, and all things John Deere. But most importantly, he dearly loved his family and many friends.  

Charlie was husband to Mary Catherine (Casterton) Goodwin; father to Greg (Pat) Goodwin, Cindy Goodwin (Steve) Padden, Sheryl Goodwin Magiera, and Jeffrey (Deanna) Goodwin; grandfather “Papa” to Chanel (Broc) Crider, Tyler (Lyndsey) Padden, Jordan Padden, Andrew Magiera, Garrett Goodwin, Garrick Hodge, Kelsey Hodge, Hannah Magiera, Chase Goodwin; and great-grandfather to Nora Padden and Cash Crider.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Charles Goodwin and Frances Catherine (Grom) Goodwin; and his siblings, Ruthie Humphrey, Howard Goodwin, Richard Goodwin, Virginia Benson, and Thomas Goodwin.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 22, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at North Prairie United Methodist Church, 5000 9th Street, Winthrop Harbor, IL 60099.  A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Miguel Nieves officiating.  Interment with military honors will follow at Lake Mound Cemetery, Zion, IL.  In lieu of flowers, donations to The American Cancer Society or Christopher Reeves Foundation are appreciated. Please visit the online guest book at www.congdonfuneralhome.com.