Arnold E. Milke
November 12, 1926 - July 13, 2020
Obituary
MADISON - Arnold E. Milke, age 93, of Madison, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2020, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on Nov. 12, 1926, in Madison, the only son of Arnold F. and Myrtle Milke.
Arnold graduated from Madison West High School in 1944. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the Cruiser, USS Atlanta in the South Pacific. Arnold married the love of his life, Dolores Olson, on Aug. 30, 1947. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Madison with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1951.
Arnold worked for North American Aviation in California and Ward and Strand Consulting Engineers before being employed by the City of Madison Engineering Division. He worked for the City of Madison for 37 years and served as City Engineer from 1973 until his retirement in 1989. Arnold was a member and past president of the Wisconsin Chapter American Public Works Association.
Arnold is survived by his children, Barbara (Scott Condie) Peterson, David (Joan) Milke, and Ashley Van Asten; grandchildren, Julia N. Peterson, Jeanne (Bart Vivian) Peterson, and Seth M. Peterson; great-granddaughters, Brooke E. Peterson, Adalyn Vivian and Clara Vivian; many nieces; and several other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; and granddaughter, Jennifer Peterson.
Due to COVID-19 a private service will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. A celebration of life for friends and family will be planned for a later date.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Arnold’s name to Agrace HospiceCare or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
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Bill Pappas
Other •
Talk about ironic that Arnold and my dad Gus Pappas are both at Gunderson in this moment ! They have been friends since both worked for City of Madison. They sometimes played hooky with other friends and headed to Arlington track in Chicago to bet on the horses. Probably planning on the trifecta right now. I had the honor of knowing Arnold from Oakwood and we enjoyed playing golf together. Condolences to the family and friends ! Bill Pappas
DO
Dawn Olson
Other •
Barbara, David & Ashley I am so very sorry for your loss. Uncle Gene was a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor. May all your great memories comfort you at this time. And know that he is with your mom and happy again.
MQ
Mary Quam
Other •
Barbara, David and Ashley I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Uncle Gene taking Barb and I to the races at Arlington Park and what fun we had. I remember when he bought the first color television and he and Delores invited us on Sundays for dinner and to watch the few shows in color. I know you will miss him so much. All my love your cousin, Mary.
JC
John Capacio
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My deepest sympathies to Barb, David and Ashley. I have so many fond memories of Arnold that I can't put them all in this space. I remember the time he took David and me to a Milwaukee Braves game in 1963. The reason I remember it is because I still have the official program. I remember being at his house when he came back from playing softball with a cast on his leg. He drove David and me to Milwaukee to participate in a fun run from the Miller Brewery to County Stadium (Arnold didn't do the run). David and I sat there in our sweaty clothes and watched a Brewers came with him. He then treated us to a nice dinner on the way back to Madison (in our sweaty clothes). He was so kind to me as I was growing up and I will never forget that.
LF
Lyle Foote
Other •
A.E. was one of the nicest father figures I knew while growing up on Fish Hatchery Rd. He generally had a smile on his face and gave me a warm welcome. I say generally because he wasn't to pleased the day he caught Dave and I lighting off M80's under the bridge. There was also the time one of his life jackets turned up missing, due to an accidental kitchen match fire. Both he and his wife routinely invited me over for dinner which sometimes included watching Star Trek on a color TV. He will be missed.