Robert L. Wise 84, of Springfield, IL passed away peacefully on November 21, 2020.

Bob was born in Springfield, IL on January 16, 1936 to Austin and Mary (O'Malley) Wise. He grew up at the Alton Catholic Children's Home and later graduated from Springfield Cathedral Boys High School in 1953. After working as a carpenter and serving in the United States Army Reserve, he went on to a long career as an Illinois State Trooper.

A faithful, humble, family-oriented man, Bob will be missed by his family and friends for his compassion, generosity, sense of humor and words of wisdom. Bob was a deeply grateful man and led a quiet life serving God and others.

Thanksgiving is a natural expression of Bob's gratitude for God's many blessings in his life. So perhaps this Thanksgiving, think of him as you enjoy a piece(s) of pie (He had two favorite kinds, hot and cold!) and say a prayer for the peaceful repose of his soul as you thank God for your blessings.

Bob is survived by the love of his life Helen Jean (Neighbors), who he married 63 years ago on June 15, 1957. Together they had five children and fourteen grandchildren: daughter, Cathy (Tyler) Becker and grandchildren, Casey (Autumn) and Kylie Becker; daughter, Beth (Doug) Brockman and grandchildren, Tim (Jamie) Brockman, Lauren (Ross) Andre, Theresa (John) Nenni, Jenny (Dan) Condello, Kate (Justin) Zubrod and Mark Brockman; son, Rob (Kristen) Wise and grandchildren, Jack and Michael; daughter, Alicia (Kirk) Meyer and grandchildren, Robert and Aiden; son, Matt and grandchildren, Jacob and Isabelle; 16 great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Ursula Allison and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his Aunt Delia and Uncle Christopher Cummins with whom he lived during high school, his siblings Austin (Edna), Thomas (Audrey), James (Helen K.), Edward Wise and Mary (John) Kelly, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fred and Ursula (Heron) Neighbors and brothers-in-law, Fred Neighbors Jr. and William Allison.

Memorials may be made to the Alton Catholic Children's Home 1400 State St. Alton IL 62002 or BrightFocus Foundation for Alzheimer's Research at BrightFocus Foundation.

A Memorial Mass will be said at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Springfield, IL when we are able to safely travel and gather our family together.

Plans for a Memorial Celebration are currently on hold due to COVID-19, but will be announced when it is safe to get together and have a worthy celebration of the joy Bob brought to the world and the lives he touched.