Christopher C. Multhauf Funeral Guest Book Memorial Web Page

Memorial Page for Christopher C. Multhauf

Dear Friends and Family,

Chris Multhauf, at 71 passed away peacefully on January 15 surrounded by his family. Chris lived his life with dignity, generosity, and a deep commitment to the people he loved. A leader, devoted husband and father, teacher, and friend, Chris approached every chapter of his life with integrity, humor, and purpose. He died from complications of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a neurodegenerative disease.

At the center of Chris’s life was his family. He shared a strong and joyful partnership with his wife, Lynn Osmond, marked by mutual respect, adventure, and love. He was a proud and devoted father to his sons, Keath (Woody), Graham, and Cyrus, whom he adored and whose lives brought him immense happiness.

Chris grew up in El Paso, Texas, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas. He went on to receive his MBA from the Johnson School of Business at Cornell University in 1981 and built a successful career as a healthcare executive.

In 1987, Chris co-founded First Commonwealth, a managed dental care company that grew rapidly into a publicly traded company and was successfully sold in 1999. First Commonwealth was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the 50 fastest-growing companies in the United States, and Chris was named a Chicago Entrepreneur of the Year finalist. What mattered most to him, however, was the culture he created—colleagues consistently described him as supportive, humane, and formative in both their careers and personal lives.

Following his business career, Chris moved into academic leadership, serving as Dean of the Business School at National Louis University and later at the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. In these roles, he was known for motivating students and bringing real-world experience, clarity, and high expectations to the classroom.

Chris also gave generously of his time to civic and cultural life. He served on the Board of the Chicago Architecture Center, where he met Lynn, and remained engaged long after stepping down from the Board. As a docent and the creator of the Devil in the White City tour, Chris shared his interest in architecture, history, and storytelling with thousands of visitors.

After his initial Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2012—later re-diagnosed as PSP in 2023—Chris and Lynn chose to focus not on limitation, but on living fully. Together, they embraced what they called their “bucket list” years. They traveled to 49 states (with a fond apology to North Dakota), visited many countries, and spent countless hours driving across the United States, accompanied by Lester, their much-loved dog.

Chris will be remembered for the way he lived with passion, kindness, humility, curiosity and love. He leaves behind a legacy of work well done, lives shaped and relationships deeply valued.

Chris is survived by his wife, Lynn Osmond; his sons, Keath (Woody) and Cyrus; (mother, Susan Forney), his father, Bill Multhauf Sr. (Delyth); his brother, Bill Multhauf Jr. (Gail); his sisters, Karen Ivey (Patrick) and Lisa Miertschin and extended family. He was predeceased by his son Graham, his mother Tish, and his brother Eric.

A memorial service celebrating Chris’s life will be held on March 28. To honor Chris’s passions and legacy, donations in his memory may be made to Cure Progressive Supranuclear Palsy https://www.psp.org/tribute-funds

 

Mike/Kat/Mary Bosold March 28, 2026 at 02:59:09.372 PM
Incredibly grateful to attend and spend time with you. Chris was a presence who won’t be forgotten and we will always miss him. We love you ❤️

Mary Rouke March 28, 2026 at 03:01:27.644 PM
Sending love

Kat Bosold March 28, 2026 at 03:02:12.863 PM
Love love love.

Steve and Emmy Stanley March 28, 2026 at 03:16:46.170 PM
Love you Chris. Thanks for the friendship and love.

Jenny and Craig Niemann March 28, 2026 at 03:17:28.839 PM
Sharing our deepest sympathies.

Gloria Groom March 28, 2026 at 03:17:58.251 PM
You are both inspiration on how to live a life of fun love and complete understanding of what it means to be together to the end.

Andrew Kitay March 28, 2026 at 04:24:35.621 PM
I hope the good memories and stories from your adventures last forever.

Vinod Jotwani March 28, 2026 at 05:03:25.640 PM
To a wonderful human! It’s an honor to have been friends with you!

Krupa Jotwani March 28, 2026 at 05:03:43.687 PM
Each day is a blessing and so was meeting you!

Elizabeth O’Connor March 28, 2026 at 05:28:46.496 PM
Chris and I are so sorry for Chris’ passing but we also consider ourselves so fortunate to have known him.

Dylan Multhauf March 28, 2026 at 06:33:54.752 PM
Love you.