Kevin Schoeplein

Kevin Schoeplein, 72, of Bluffton, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 27, 2026. He left behind a legacy defined by love, devotion to family, steadfast loyalty, and quiet strength. He was the beloved son of the late Wilfred and Mary Mangan Schoeplein of Rocky River, Ohio

Kevin was born on July 22, 1953, in Cleveland, Ohio, Kevin graduated from St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio. He attended Saint Louis University and went on to earn master’s degrees from Xavier University in finance and in hospital administration. Following the completion of his two masters’ degrees, he began what would become a remarkable and impactful career in health care administration. He first served at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. In 1978, he joined OSF HealthCare (OSF) as an assistant hospital administrator marking the beginning of a long and distinguished tenure that concluded upon his retirement in 2017 as CEO of OSF. During his nearly four decades at OSF, Kevin played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission and growth. He was instrumental in the development of OSF as an Accountable Care Organization, oversaw expansion from seven to eleven hospitals and helped lead the system to national recognition as a top-performing health care system.

As a faithful member of St. Thomas Church, Kevin devotedly served on parish council. In addition to his other commitments, Kevin served on many boards including the Illinois Hospital Association (IHA), Catholic Health Association, Bradley University, and David Vaughn Investments (DVI).

Above all else, Kevin was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Lisa (Brandewie) Schoeplein; his five children Stacie Clayton (fiancé Jack Negro), Molly (Jeff) Ziegler, Chris (Tami) Schoeplein, Ashley (Adam) Gagnon, Matt (Brittany) Schoeplein; and his thirteen cherished grandchildren, Reagan, Oliver and Zoe Clayton, Olivia, Elena, Isaac and Colette Ziegler, Henry, Clara and Grace Schoeplein, Shep and Prudence Gagnon and Wolfgang Schoeplein. He loved each of them deeply and supported them wholeheartedly through every stage of life. Kevin embraced his role as a grandfather with profound joy. His grandchildren were a constant source of happiness and purpose, and he treasured time spent with them. He is also survived by his sister Karen and brother Don.

Kevin was preceded in death by his two brothers, Chuck and Jim.

Known for his calm demeanor and thoughtful nature, Kevin had a rare gift for making those around him feel valued, supported, and loved. Family time whether during large gatherings, one-on-one conversations, or everyday moments, meant everything to him. His home was a place of warmth and comfort, and his steady presence provided strength and reassurance to all who knew him. While he will be deeply missed, the impact of his life, and the love he gave so freely, will endure for generations.

A memorial Mass will be held at Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Peoria Heights on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 11:00am, preceded by a visitation at 9:30am, where family and friends will gather to celebrate a life richly lived and deeply devoted to those he loved most.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bradley University, Bluffton Self-Help, or OSF Healthcare, organizations Kevin felt deeply passionate about.

Friends and family are encouraged to log onto www.wrightandsalmon.com to share photos, leave condolences and share Kevin’s memorial page via social media.