Robert Norman "Bob" Wise Jr.'s Obituary
Robert Norman (Bob) Wise Jr., 76, died August 14, 2025, at Goldwater Care, Clinton, IL. A funeral service will take place at 1pm Saturday, August 23, at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 11am to 1pm. Private family burial will be at a later date at Macon County Memorial Park.
Bob was born June 22, 1949, at Downer’s Grove Hospital, the son of Robert Wise Sr. and Rose (Benes) Wise. He grew up in Willow Springs, IL, and attended Argo High School, where he had lead performances in the high school musicals. He graduated high school in 1967 and went on to attend U of I Chicago and Illinois State University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in communication in 1972. It was there that Bob met his future wife, Vicki Harland. They married August 21, 1971.
Bob worked as a radio disc jockey in Normal, IL, at WAKC radio. From there he moved to Eugene, OR, and was the morning personality at KEED radio. In Indianapolis, IN, he worked for WFMS and WIRE radio stations.
After getting fired at WIRE, he pursued his longtime desire to be a standup comedian. He was what was called a “road comic,” working clubs in 38 states, Canada, and the Caribbean. He worked alongside future stars such as Jerry Seinfeld, Tim Allen, and Jay Leno. His work with BET star J. Anthony Brown led to a 10-year stint as D. WhiteMan on the nationally syndicated talk show, The Tom Joyner Morning Show. As a weekly guest, Bob answered questions about what was going on in white America! Everywhere he went, Bob’s goal was to make people laugh—the grocery store, the doctor’s office, or the cashier at Walmart.
Bob also had a career in advertising, doing print ads and radio and TV commercials. He was in the movies “Hoosiers” and “Diving In.” He played David Letterman’s younger brother, Chester, on a Late Show segment.
What brought him the most joy was being with his wife, Vicki, and entertaining his great-niece and nephew.
Bob will be remembered for his kind heart and benevolent spirit. The family is at peace knowing Bob is in heaven with his savior Jesus Christ.
Survivors include his wife Vicki; sister-in-law Cheryl Lamb and husband Gary of Decatur, IL; nephew Greg Closs and wife Kourney of Mt. Zion, IL; great-niece lBaylee Closs of Terre Haute, IN; great-nephew Brayden Closs of Decatur, IL; great-nephew Charlie Witmer of Mt. Zion, IL; niece Jodi Wrobleski and husband Joe of South Elgin, IL; great-nephew Ryan Wrobleski of Louisiana; and great-nephew Kyle Wrobleski of Chicago, IL. He was preceded in death by parents Robert Wise Sr. And Rose Wise, brother Gerald Wise, and nephew Joshua Lamb.
The family requests casual dress. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Vintage Church, Macon County Animal Shelter, or Leia’s Hope Animal Rescue.
The family would like to thank the nurses, CNAs, food and housekeeping staff at Goldwater Care, Clinton, for their attention and compassionate care given to Bob. And DFD Engine 7.
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