Robert Lee Wise, 88, of Loves Park, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, died Sunday, September 21, 2014 at his home. Born January 17, 1926, in Durand he was the son of Conrad and Clara (Petitt) Wise and was a graduate of Durand High School. On November 20, 1946 Bob and Neva Jean Henze were united in marriage at St. Paul Church, Davis, after 65 years of marriage she preceded him in death on November 22, 2011. Bob served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, spending his 18th birthday in combat in the Pacific and achieving the rank of Corporal by war's end. He joined the Illinois State Police (ISP) and served as a Trooper and Detective for nearly 30 years. He and his wife owned Belvidere Travel Agency and Loves Park Travel for 20 years which upon his retirement from the ISP, allowed them to travel around the world. They retired to Tarpon Springs, FL in 1993. Bob remained a loyal Cubs fan, always waiting for "next year."
Surviving are two sons Russell Wise of California, Robin (Jean Schusler) of Loves Park; grandson Robert Wise of Roscoe; two sisters Twyla (John) Brandner, Joyce Sykes; sisters-in-law Reva Wise, Laurena Wise; nephews Shirl (Kathy) Wise, Gary (Cindy) Wise, Dan (Ginny) Wise, Lauren (Lois) Meinert, Fred Meinert, Steven (Carol) Meinert and Robert Wise; nieces Debra (Wesley) Cunningham, Shirla (Roy) Moody, Kathy Morrow and Marilyn Wise; numerous great nieces and great nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, wife Neva, four brothers Carlyle, Gerald (Ruth), Lowell, Duane, nephew Kenneth Wise and brother-in-law Ray Sykes. Visitation will be 5-7p.m. Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Dakota. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, September 25, 2014 at St Paul Church of Epleyanna rural Davis with Reverend Scott Naevestad officiating. Burial will be at the St Paul Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name.