On March 28, Robert Paul Wise of LaPorte died at the Life Care Center Rehabilitation facility from complications related to a fracture. He was comfortable and peaceful at the time of his passing.

A lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio, Robert (Bob) was born on April 15, 1940 to Geraldine Wise (Smith) and Paul Wise. He was the oldest of three children. He had a wonderful childhood in Grafton, Ohio where he learned to work and play hard. Whether he was running his paper route or tinkering on cars, Bob never sat still. This trait defined him for most of the days of his life.

Bob was graduated from Midview High School in 1958. He went to work right away in several construction jobs, but had to change his career trajectory after he was seriously injured in a hunting accident in 1961. He found his professional calling in 1964 when he accepted a role with the “world’s largest retailer” (Sears Roebuck) as a Certified Hearing Audiologist. Bob spent the rest of his career with Sears working diligently to provide service to those with hearing loss.

Bob’s frugality and industriousness provided him with the opportunity to retire early in 1992. He and his partner of 35 years, Helen Turner, enjoyed many retirement adventures. They spent every winter “out west” visiting family, touring Arizona and beating the odds in Las Vegas. These were some of Bob’s most talked about and cherished memories.

Bob was a regular at the AmVets and the Elyria Polish Club. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge of LaGrange.

Bob was preceded in death by his brother, David Wise and his sister, Donna Wise. He is survived by his partner, Helen Turner and by his children and their spouses, Sid Wise (Amber) and Angela Drozdowski (Colin.) Bob also leaves behind three grandchildren: Camille Drozdowski Butz (Nick), Daniel Drozdowski and Brooklyn Wise, and a great grandson; William Butz.

Per Bob’s instructions, there will be no memorial service. The family asks that if you ever raised a glass with Bob that you would do so again now in his honor. Donations can also be made to the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to The Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home of Elyria (440)322-4626. Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com