Obituaries

Robert W. Goodwin passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, with his family at his side. Son of the Rev. Paul and Dorothy (Butcher) Goodwin, Robert was born on January 3, 1941, in Upland, CA. He married Linda Goodwin on August 22, 1964, and lived in Minneapolis until moving to St. Charles, IL in 1969. Together Robert and Linda created a life full of love, music, travel, and art that they joyfully shared with those around them. 

Robert was an avid photographer in his early days, often toting a film camera and spending time developing his own photographs. He also cultivated a passion for particle physics and quantum mechanics. Early in his career, Robert worked alongside pioneers in computing technology. For 42 years, he worked as a computer programmer at Fermilab in Batavia, IL, specializing in control system software for the Fermilab particle accelerators. 

He was active in the Congregational United Church of Christ in St. Charles and later Bethlehem Lutheran Church where he loved to sing and play the hand bells. He supported the arts including commissioning a piece by John Rutter for the St. Charles Singers. In retirement, he always had a thirst for learning new things, doing puzzles, taking classes, travelling, and sharing new experiences with his friends and family. 

Robert was preceded in death by his dear wife Linda in 2020, sister Dorothy Swearingen in 2021, and brother-in-law Martin Fletcher in 2017. He is survived by sister Margaret Numkena, nephew Adam, niece Emily, nephew Jeff, siblings-in-law Anne Fletcher, Marilyn (Larry) Berryman, Jerry (Maria) Fletcher, Susan (Andy) Steele, along with their children, and many other treasured family members.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on October 2nd, 2026, at Yurs Funeral Home, 405 East Main Street, St. Charles IL 60174.

A Memorial Service will be held on October 3rd, 2026 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1145 N 5th Avenue, St. Charles, IL 60174, luncheon to follow. 

Donations in Robert’s memory may be made to the St. Charles Singers or to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, St. Charles IL.

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