Robert J. Meuleman, May 1, 1939 – July 25, 2026

Savannah, GA

Devoted Notre Dame alumni, avid golfer and skier, and champion of those who needed one, Bob Meuleman cheered his last game and played his last round on July 25, 2026.

Born at the end of the Depression and growing up in South Bend, IN with his sisters, Delores (deceased, Frank (deceased)) DeCleene and Jeannette (Bob, deceased) Cook, as the son of Joe & Louise Meuleman, Bob thought he would either work at Studebaker or maybe work in his father’s barber shop. At St. Joseph High School he met his future wife of 65 years and the love of his life, Judy. While they shared a lunch table at the newly coed high school, they did not like each other, and no one would’ve predicted they would end up marrying with three children, Joe Meuleman, Jennifer Krizan, and Rachel (Michael) O’Sullivan. As their friends from that lunch table dated, they decided Bob and Judy should at least try. And 65 years later they were still together and devoted to each other. That lunch table produced several lifelong friendships and marriages.

After several detentions and getting sent home for his ducktail haircut, Brother Reginald pulled Bob aside and asked the pivotal question, what do you think you’re doing? You should go to college. This started Bob down a very different path starting at Indiana University at South Bend, St. Edward’s University (Texas), the University of Notre Dame, and a master’s from Michigan State University.  After his master’s Bob began his banking career at National Bank of Detroit, before getting rudely interrupted by the draft. He thought he was in the clear after being rejected for medical reasons initially. But no, he was drafted as an enlisted solider in the Army. After basic training and as his unit was getting ready to deploy to Korea, his commission finally came through, due to him skipping PT and showing his commission letter to the base commander against the orders of his sergeant. Bob was then off with the Army to Germany. Judy wasn’t going to miss this adventure and booked her own ship to join him. Their adventures in Germany included learning how to ski, buying a VW Beetle, and Joe joining the family. They returned to Detroit with a lifelong devotion to the mountains, skiing, the first of several VW Bugs, and as parents.

Bob’s banking career began to rise and three of them moved to White Fish Bay, WI where Jennifer joined the family. His upward moves continued and off they went to South Bend, IN, where Rachel came along. While the family was now complete, another bank was calling. Bob and Judy packed up the kids and moved to Rockford, IL and Amcore Financial. Bob spent over 20 years at Amcore rising to Chairman and CEO of the bank before retiring.

In Rockford, as the kids grew, Bob and Judy were able to take on roles with organizations they believed in. Bob served as board president of the YMCA, United Way Rock River Valley, Rockford Country Club, Rockford Notre Dame Club, and Swedish American Health System. He was a board member on many other boards. He was recognized by his community with the Rockford Park District Distinguished Service Award and a finalist of the Rockford Register Star Excalibur Award. Bob continued serving his community in Savannah as president of the Notre Dame Club and serving with the St. Mary’s Community Center.  

After retiring Bob moved to Savannah, GA and Edwards, CO. In both he found friends and community that made his life full. He also picked locations he knew his children and grandchildren would come visit. Bob loved nothing more than skiing or golfing with his children and grandchildren, Jennifur Sanders, Becca Krizan, Tasha Krizan, Liam O’Sullivan, Colin O’Sullivan, and Quinn O’Sullivan, and four great grandchildren.

Bob will be missed desperately by his family, friends, and colleagues. He was forever grateful to those who took the time to see his potential, mentored him, and guided him along this wonderful life.

And our hearts forever, Love thee Notre Dame!

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Fox and Weeks Funeral Home, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive in Savannah, GA, from 5:00 until 7:00 pm with a Rosary service at 6:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Savannah, GA on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 11:00 am. Burial will be held at Highland Cemetery in South Bend, IN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Mary’s Community Center, (Savannah, GA) St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church (Savannah, GA), or Social Apostolate (Savannah, GA).