Robert K. Wilmouth, an emeritus member of the University of Notre Dame’s Board of Trustees, died Sept. 14 (Thursday). He was 88.
“Bob served on our Board of Trustees for more than 40 years, providing invaluable advice on many matters, but especially with respect to our financial foundation,” said Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., the University’s president. “His friendship, generosity and love for Notre Dame will never be forgotten. Our prayers are with his family and friends.”
Wilmouth earned a master’s degree from Notre Dame after completing his undergraduate studies at the College of the Holy Cross. He began a 27-year career in the banking industry in 1950 with First National Bank of Chicago, where he moved through the management ranks to executive vice president and, in 1973, director.
Wilmouth went on to found the National Futures Association, where he served as president and CEO. He also served as president and CEO of the Chicago Board of Trade, president and director of Crocker National Bank in San Francisco and chairman of the board of LaSalle Bank.
A member of the Notre Dame Board since 1975, Wilmouth received an honorary degree from the University in 1984 and served as chairman of its Badin Guild from 1992 to 1999. His gift established the Wilmouth Library Endowment, and he provided funding for a variety of other University initiatives.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen, and is survived by four sons, a daughter and seven grandchildren. His children all are Notre Dame graduates.
Visitation will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. Sept. 21 (Thursday) at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Highway, Palatine, Illinois. It will continue from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sept. 22 (Friday), followed at 10 a.m. by a funeral Mass at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 455 N. Benton St., Palatine.