Delbert E. Wise

Delbert E. Wise, 75, of Milan, passed away Saturday, March 25, 2023, at his home. A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. (noon) Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 201 E. 4th Avenue, Milan. Visitation will be held two-hours prior from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon) Thursday at the funeral home. Inurnment with military honors will follow in Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island. Memorials may be made to the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities.

Delbert was born January 15, 1948, in Rock Island to Eddie and Doris (Anderson) Wise. He graduated from Rock Island High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and was honorably discharged in 1969. Delbert married the love of his life, Rhonda S. Johnston, on June 20, 1991, in Rock Island. She preceded him in death on March 7, 2017. Delbert worked several years at Midland Press before retiring. He enjoyed watching sports and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packers fan. He also enjoyed crossword puzzles.

Survivors include his daughters, Kimberly (Patrick) Phillips, Milan, and Candace (Dan) DeSmet, Illinois City; son, Michael (Stephanie) Wise; grandchildren, Daniel, Molly, Annabelle, Jamie (Logan) Frost and Drew, Kyle, Lane Wise; “thought-of-like” son, Chad Nipper; brother and sister-in-law, Rev. Donald and Sandra Johnston; special friend, Holly; and grand dog, Virgil, who was his faithful companion.

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents; love of his life, Rhonda; step-son, Jason Woods; and brothers, Eddie “Dick” Wise and Ronald Wise.

Delbert’s family would like to thank his nurse of two years, Laura Lessard, for her care.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.wheelanpressly.com.

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