Honorable Matthew Maurer, 62, of Springfield, died at 1:25 am, Sunday, July 23, 2023 at his home. He was born May 21, 1961, in Springfield, to Dr. Joseph Jude and Rosetta M. Tega Maurer. He married Kristina “Kris” McCarthy on January 13, 1995 and she survives.

Also surviving are one son, Shad Surgis of Springfield; one daughter, Jenna Maurer of Springfield; six siblings, Mary Rose (Tom) Hoffman of Springfield, Jospeh J. (Lisa) Maurer, Jr. of Texas; Linda Shoemaker of Riverton, Diane (Rex Bruss) Howard, Dr. Susan (Denise Wend) Maurer of Springfield, Daniel (Rachael) Maurer of Springfield; mother-in-law, Patricia (Dennis Poss) McCarthy of Springfield; three brothers-in-law, Dr. Mark Gekas of Springfield, Kevin (Rhonda) McCarthy of Springfield, and Kyle McCarthy of New York; one sister-in-law, Kim McCarthy of Springfield; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his golden doodle puppy, Rusty. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Dr. JoAnne M. Maurer, John A. Maurer, Dr. Chris L. Maurer; father-in-law, Kevin L. McCarthy; and his labs Teddy and Molly.

Matthew was an avid Chicago Cubs, Bears, Illini Basketball, Football, NASCAR, and Formula One racing fan. He enjoyed watching Gunsmoke and Wagon Train. One of his favorite childhood memories was riding in pony shows in Valley View. Matt was also known to be an accomplished baseball and basketball player. He was very charitable towards many area organizations including St. John’s College of Nursing Scholarship Fund, W.I.L.D. Canine Rescue, Helping Hands, and many others.

He was a member of Koke Mill Christian Church.

Matt was a 1980 graduate of Griffin High School and graduated in 1987 from the University of Illinois College of Law.

His Honor began his career as a Prosecutor in the States Attorney’s office and later served in private practice and as a felony public defender and later as first Assistant States Attorney under John Milhiser. He was appointed Judge of the 7th Judicial Circuit in 2013.

Memorial contributions may be made to W.I.L.D. Canine Rescue; The Matthew Project; The Outlet at TheOutletIllinois.org.