Remembering Robert DiVall, former Chairman of the Board

Robert K. DiVall Robert K. DiVall, 87, passed away peacefully, Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010, in Palm Desert, Calif., following a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Ann, of 59 years, his daughters, Linda and Diane, and his grandson, Andrew. Robert, was a resident of Inverness, Ill., and previously, a longtime resident of Mount Prospect. He was born Sept., 29, 1923 in Oak Park. His family later moved to Bensenville, where he met his future wife, Ann (nee Sterchy), the love of his life. They were married on Oct. 27, 1951. Mr. DiVall graduated from the University of Illinois' College of Commerce in 1945.

He earned his CPA and went to work for Arthur Andersen as an accountant. Later, he joined American Hospital Supply Corporation in Evanston as treasurer and vice president. He also served on the company's board of directors and retired as chief financial officer in 1980 after 25 years. During those years, he served on a number of boards including; Northwest Community Hospital, Roper Corporation, Pepper Construction Company, First Illinois Bank of Evanston and American Viewpoint. Robert loved golf and belonged to Rolling Green Country Club in Arlington Heights, Ill., and Ironwood Country Club in Palm Desert, Calif., where he also enjoyed playing tennis until just a few years ago. He also loved driving fast, and at 80 years old realized his lifelong dream of becoming a cowboy, when he purchased and learned to ride his own horse. He accomplished this goal after undergoing double knee surgery earlier in the year.

Mr. DiVall's greatest legacy is his family. He is survived by his wife, Ann; his daughters, Linda and Diane (Mark Thurow); seven grandchildren, Christine Widell (Christopher), Katie, Megan, and Michelle Selander and Alison, Andrew and Dennis Thurow; and one great-granddaughter, Teagan Jeanne. He is also survived by his dear sister, Mary Kaye Green (Gerald). Robert was the loving uncle of many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Elizabeth; his sisters, Betty Lynch (Gerard) and Jeanne; his daughter, Jeanne DiVall Selander; and his son-in-law, John Selander.

A funeral Mass will be said at St. Raymond de Penafort Catholic Church, 301 S. I-Oka, where Mr. DiVall was a founding member, on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 9:30 a.m. A wake will be held Friday, Dec. 17, between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m. at Friedrichs Funeral Home, 320 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect, 847-255-7800. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice are welcome.

Further Reading:

Northwest Community Hospital 'Visionary' Dies
Daily Herald
December 16th, 2010

Robert K. DiVall
Published in Chicago Suburban Daily Herald: Obituaries
December 15 to December 16, 2010