Robert (Bob) Wise

On September 14, 2023, Robert (Bob) Wise joined his loving daughter, Doreen Wise, and his first wife, Wanda, who preceded him in death in 1972.

Bob was born in 1926 in Detroit, Michigan to Thomas and Anna Wise. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the US Navy and served as a tail gunner through the end of World War II. Bob moved with his second wife, Patricia Yoder-Wise to Denver, Colorado and then to Lubbock when a career opportunity led Pat to help develop the School of Nursing at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

Bob attended Wayne State University where he focused on business and then worked his entire life in some form of business. He started at a local retail store in the Detroit area, Neisner’s, and then moved to JL Hudson’s where he served as a department manager. He owned his own business in western Michigan. He served as President of the Housewares Club of Michigan and later as President of his local Chamber of Commerce. He retired in the early 1990s, returned to work, and then volunteered for several local service organizations, including Meals on Wheels.

Among his various nicknames, Chef Roberto was the most prominent. Anyone fortunate enough to receive his pastries would attest to how talented he was. He passed his talent and passion for cooking and baking to his daughters, Doreen and Debbie. Several people were fortunate to receive his specially crafted recipes, which they still treasure.

He leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Pat, his daughter, Debbie Hallick and her husband Mike, and three adult grandsons—Christopher, Jeffrey, and Matthew McEnaney. Bob served as a great role model for them throughout their lives. He leaves behind, our dear friend Sally Devita and her husband, Bobby, his “gang” of friends at the Frankford United Supermarket coffee area and the wonderful crew at The West Table. Bob was known to many as a gentleman’s gentleman. If you didn’t know him, you missed out on one of life’s treasures.

Per his wishes, there is no memorial. If you wish to remember him in a tangible way, please make a donation to The Mohler Family Endowment at TTUHSC Institutional Advancement; 3601 4th St, MS6238; Lubbock, TX 79430; or https://connect.ttuhscalumni.org/MohlerFamily, an endowment Bob created at the School of Nursing in honor of his mother-in-law, “St. Leona”; or to Lubbock Meals on Wheels; 2304 34^th St; Lubbock TX 79411; or https://lubbockmealsonwheels.org/donate-info/. And, you can always remember him by raising a glass of cheer (tea in the morning and a blended whiskey in the evening) and thinking of him and a life well-lived!