Fort Myers, FL - Fort Myers, Florida - Robert Vander Wilt, age 84, originally of Spencer, Iowa, passed away on April 6, 2026, at his home in Fort Myers, Florida, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Bob was born on Oct 8, 1941, in Spencer, IA, the son of Albert and Helen (Bond) Vander Wilt.

Bob graduated from Spencer High School in 1960 and attended Iowa State University on a basketball scholarship. After graduating from Iowa State University, he married Jane (Narland) in 1966 and moved to Mankato, MN in 1968. Bob was employed as a Professor of Education at Mankato State University for over 30 years. After retirement, Bob moved to the Fort Myers, Florida area.

Bob devoted the rest of his life teaching the Bible, spending time with family and friends, enjoying nature, and travelling.

Bob was preceded in death by his eldest son Greg on February 12, 2026, both of his parents, his brother Bill (Candie) Vander Wilt, and his sister Carri (Steve) Geczy.

Bob is survived by his son Mark (Michal) Vander Wilt, daughter-in-law Lisa (Greg) Vander Wilt, former wife Jane Vander Wilt, and grandchildren Reese (Greg) Vander Wilt, Zachary, Raylen, and Brayden (Michal) Blasing and long-time special friend Ginni Schmidt.