Robert L. Wakeland, 76, of Milan, died Friday, January 15, 2016 at UnityPoint Health - Trinity Rock Island. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Heritage Church, Rock Island. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home & Crematory, Milan. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Rock Island. Memorials may be made in care of Children's Ministries at Heritage Church or Youth Hope.

Robert was born in Aledo, Ill. on January 15, 1940, a son of Ted Virgil and Kathrine Heath Wakeland. Robert was educated through the Rock Island Schools. He married the love of his life, Sharon Nelson, on July 20, 1962 and together they raised their 7 children.

Robert worked as a supervisor for Malco, Inc. for several years before finishing his career as a welder for J.I. Case. He retired in 1988 after 20 years.

Robert was a man of great integrity and honesty. He loved the beauty of nature and the great outdoors. His love for fishing and hunting, he passed on to his sons and grandsons. Bob's life was family, he never met a child he didn't love and took great pride in his grandchildren whom he called his "posse." He played games, had tea parties, listened to their music and helped them grow into the fine young people they are today. Robert also had a great love for God and attended Heritage Church in Rock Island.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Wakeland, Milan; children (and spouses), Michael (Boug) Wakeland, Fulda, Germany, Cheryl (Steve) Dufur, Moline, Robyn (George) Jones, Illinois City, Vicki Ernst, Mascoutah, Ill., Robert Scott (Ann) Wakeland, Port Byron and Brent (Barb) Wakeland, Milan; 25 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son and "hunting buddy," Mark Allen Wakeland, infant son, Bradley Wakeland, 2 sisters, Janet and Judy and a brother, Gordon.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff on 7N at UnityPoint Health - Trinity Rock Island, especially Kaitlyn, Olivia and Anna for all of the loving and compassionate care they extended to Robert and his entire family!