Dr. Robert M. Wells, 95, of Rock Island passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at home with family by his side.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, November 30th, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Rock Island. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 29th, 2023, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island, with a rosary to be recited at 3:30 pm. Burial with military honors will be in Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island. Memorials may be left in care of Alleman High School, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Alzheimers Association as well as any Wildlife Conservation Organization.

Robert was born on August 1, 1928, in Rock Island, a son of Eugene Edward and Teresa (Sersig) Wells. He married Marianna Bolen on June 19, 1954, in Dekalb, IL. Robert earned his medical degree from Loyala University Stritch School of Medicine and went on to serve in the United States Army from 1959 to 1962 before being honorably discharged. He returned to his hometown of Rock Island, IL to practice family medicine and general Surgery. As a physician and surgeon, he maintained the highest standards of patient care and was always willing to spend time with patients to answer all medical questions to the patient's satisifaction. Robert also answered personal questions from his patients because they valued his opinion and counsel.  He always did what was best for his patients. Robert earned the respect of his colleagues and staff members through his professionalism, knowledge and congenialty even when he wasn't congenial. He was on staff at St. Anthony's Hospital and Franciscan Medical Center until his retirement in 1993. He rose to senior staff positions at both institutions as well as the Rock Island County Medical Society.

Upon his retirement he enjoyed an active life of travel with his wife Marianna and all manner of hunting and fishing activities. Robert was as comfortable on a mountain side hunting elk or in a tree stand hunting local white tail deer as he was in a surgical suite. He could often be found fishing near the Arsenal bridge as he did as a child. He also became a great turkey hunter as it required stealth from a blind and calling in the birds.

Robert was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Rock Island, Knights of Columbus, National Rifle Association and many wildlife conservation organizations.

Those left to cherish Robert's memory include his children, Christopher Wells, Arlington, TX, Mark (Monica) Wells, Goleta, CA, Geoffrey (Mary Ann) Wells, Tampa, FL, Lisa Wells, Waimea, HI, and Mara Baber, Rock Island, IL; 12 grandchildren, Shannon, Patrick, Caitlin, Brenden, Amanda, Cameron, Catherine, Christina, Michael, Kari Anna, Ethan and Maya;  great granddaughter, Mary-Lou; sisters, Jeanne (Howie) Visteen and Joan Wells; and a host of nieces and nephews. Robert enjoyed to the fullest extent spending time with family and friends. He was deeply in love with his wife Marianna with whom he enjoyed 54 years of marriage. He was an excellent father and a good friend.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Marianna; parents; and siblings, Mary Ann Costello, Theresa Cavins, John Wells and Joseph Wells.

Condolences may be left for the family on Dr. Wells' tribute wall.