Kirstin T. Decker

Following a years-long decline from PSP, longtime Beverly, Illinois resident, Kirstin “Kris” (Bednarz) Decker passed away peacefully with family by her side on Monday, April 10th, 2023. Born in 1950 to William and Virginia Bednarz, she was the loving sister of Patricia, Steven (Jean), and the late William, George, and Regina Leinweber. Kris is survived by her devoted husband Charles “Chuck” Decker, her beloved children Kimberly Kull Griffith (Dan), Noelle Kull, and Kevin Kull, her loving stepchildren Jason Decker (Sarah), Kristen Decker-VanderWoude (Daniel), and eight cherished grandchildren: Daniel Griffith, Madeline Griffith, Jack Decker, Noah Decker, Mary Decker, Katey Decker, Samuel Decker and Charley Decker.

Born and raised on the North Side of Chicago, Illinois in Jefferson Park, Kris attended Our Lady of Victory elementary school, Cardinal Stritch High School, and Loyola University of Chicago where she studied nursing before relocating to the South Side where she completed her bachelor’s degree, earned an MBA, and founded the Women’s MBA Association at St. Xavier University.

She spent most of her career as a healthcare administrator with engagements at Humana in Hyde Park, Northwestern Medicine, and Rush University, and volunteered as a eucharistic minister at St. Barnabas in Beverly, Illinois and Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois. In retirement she was an aspiring pianist, next-level connoisseur of flan and caramel sundaes with extra whipped cream, and lover of all things British who thoroughly enjoyed a pint of Guinness in good company. Prior to her PSP diagnosis, she traveled regularly, was a voracious reader and crossword puzzle master whose razor-sharp wit could floor the unassuming and was a regular patron of the arts—from Symphony Center and The Art Institute to the Beverly Art Center, who gave generously and always had tickets for an upcoming event.

Friends and family will gather for a memorial service that will be held from 4:00 - 5:00 pm on Friday, May 19th, 2023 at Bethel Bible Church, 3225 West 96th Street, Evergreen Park, Illinois followed by an Irish wake at Cork & Kerry, 10614 South Western Avenue, Chicago, Illinois to toast Kris with a pint and break bread from 5:30- 8:30 pm. Flowers can be sent to Bethel Bible Church via prior arrangement with Pastor Steve Worsham at 708.248.4522.

In lieu of flowers, donations may also be made to the Maple Morgan Park Food Pantry, 11030 South Longwood Drive, Chicago, Illinois, 773.239.3013, www.morganparkfoodpantry.com).