Robert Joe Wilt

Robert Joe Wilt, 70, passed away Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 at his home on Lake Egypt in southern Illinois. A memorial gathering will be held from 12 noon - 1pm, with a service at 1 pm, Saturday, October 17, 2026, located at the Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna, Illinois. Inurnment will be in Thomson Lower York Cemetery.

He was born Oct. 19, 1955, to Janis (Homedew) and Harold “Bud” Wilt. He graduated from Savanna High School in 1973. He earned his B.S. from Southern Illinois University and became board certified in Internal Medicine in 1988 with honors.

Robert worked as a physician in the southern Illinois area for 27 years, mostly at the SIU Student Health Services where he was adored by patients and staff alike and saw the most complicated patients.

He was an accomplished cabinet maker and carpenter, doing the finish carpentry in his house as well as a lot of beautiful walnut and oak furniture over his lifetime.

He became a certified naturalist in 2021. He was happiest being out-of-doors on the Mississippi River, in Palisades Park or hiking one of the many parks in southern Illinois, especially Ferne Clyffe State Park.

Robert is survived by his mother, Janis, of Peoria, formerly of Savanna and Thomson; siblings Deana (Mathew Timm) and Rodney (Michelle); four nieces and nephews; and many cousins and friends.