Ronald L. Wohlwend

1941 - 2021

Ronald L. Wohlwend
Born: December 5, 1941 in Springfield, IL
Died: April 17, 2021 in Naples, FL
Ronald L. Wohlwend, 79, passed away surrounded by his family on April 17, 2021 at his home in Naples, Florida. Ron was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle and grandfather. Ron was born December 5, 1941 in Springfield, Illinois to Lawrence J. and Nadine (nee Chamness) Wohlwend. He is survived by his wife, Jackie (nee Lewis); daughters, Laura (Matthew) Glenn of Hinsdale, IL, Mary (Kevin) Olson of Morris, IL, and son, David (Megan) Wohlwend of Orono, Minnesota; two brothers John (Jan) Wohlwend of Bloomington, IL and Bruce (Michelle) Wohlwend of Sugarland, Texas; Grandchildren Riley Glenn, Taylor Glenn (Fiancé Peter Pigatti), Jack Glenn, Emma Wohlwend, Luke Wohlwend, Ben Wohlwend, Grace Wohlwend, and Ryan Wohlwend; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Jack and Catherine Lewis.
Ron graduated from Marian High School in 1959 and Southern Illinois University with a BS in Finance. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He led many duck hunting adventures for players of the St. Louis Cardinals while attending SIU and, in Morris, hosted many fish fries to celebrate his successful Canadian fishing trips. He and Jackie enjoyed traveling with family and friends and, in retirement, Ron traveled the world to enjoy his love for fishing. He loved nothing more than being with his children and grandchildren, and anyone else associated with them; making sure everyone was happy, all while joining in on the laughs.
Ron lived in Morris for over 50 years. He came to Morris in 1966 to serve as Manager of Operation Services at Grundy Bank. He became the Bank's Vice President and Cashier in 1970, its Executive Vice President in 1975 and Grundy Bank's President and Chief Executive Officer in 1981. He retired in 1999 and continued serving as its Chairman of the Board until 2019.
Mr. Wohlwend was passionate about giving back to his community. He contributed to and served on various charities and organizations including, the Board of Directors of the Grundy County United Fund, Morris Cemetery Association, Grundy County Chamber of Commerce (serving as President in 1976), Illinois Valley Industries, Morris Hospital Foundation, Morris Downtown Development Partnership, Community Foundation of Grundy County, Joliet Junior College, and Breaking Away. He was key in founding and sustaining many of these organizations. He also served as Treasurer of Morris Community High School District 101, Saratoga Grade School District 60C and the Grundy Area Vocational Center. Currently, he was serving as Honorary Chairman of the Morris YMCA's Capital Campaign that is raising funds to build a full service YMCA in Morris. During his career at Grundy Bank, Ron traveled around the country as a member of the National Speakers Association. His main speaking topic was "How to Talk to Your Banker." He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Morris and the Morris Country Club.
Throughout his career, he was a leader in the banking industry. He taught Principles of Bank Operations at the American Institute of Banking and served on the Advisory Council of the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, Wisconsin. He was influential in state and national banking organizations through his leadership roles on the Illinois Bankers Association Executive Committee of its Board of Directors and the Community Bankers Council of the American Bankers Association. He was recognized in September, 2016 by the Illinois Bankers Association for 50 years of service to the banking industry and Grundy Bank.
The family extends its gratitude to Ron's caregiver, Lela Borgstrom, who has become part of their family.
Visitation for Ron will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at the First Presbyterian Church of Morris. Immediately following the Visitation, the Funeral Service will be officiated by Dr. Rev. Roy Backus. All are welcome to attend. Due to Covid, masks will be required.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ron's name to the YMCA Building Fund or the First Presbyterian Church of Morris.
An online guestbook has been made for the family, where you may sign the guestbook, share memories and photographs. You can access this by visiting the website at www.ucdaviscallahan.com. Arrangements have been entrusted with U.C. Davis-Callahan Funeral Home, 301 W. Washington Street, Morris, IL.