MADISON - Arnold Edmund Billig, age 83, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on Jan. 4, 1941, in St. Cloud, Minn., the son of Arnold and Eleanora (Burke) Billig.

Arnie grew up in Sartell, Minn., graduated from Technical High School, St. Cloud, Minn., in 1959, and he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1962 to 1968. He attended the Wisconsin School of Electronics where he earned his associate degree, and he retired from the UW Madison as a Journeyman Painter.

As a lifetime member of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) since 1976, he faithfully attended the annual week-long EAA AirVenture Oshkosh where he enjoyed seminars, aircraft areas, air shows, and camped in his home-built teardrop camper.

He earned his pilot’s license in the early 90s. His hobby was flying his Cessna airplane for a fly-in breakfast or flying to destinations for a short visit.

Arnie always had projects: “build it, don’t buy it.” He rebuilt the engine in his favorite 1972 blue Chevrolet truck, then converted it to a four-wheel drive. He enjoyed working with electronics and on computers. Monday through Friday, he was unavailable until after Noon because he was busy doing short trades on stocks.

Arnie enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Arnold is survived by his daughter, Beth (Eugene) Krinkey; sister, Judy Dechaine; two brothers, Patrick Billig and James Billig; three grandchildren, Jace Billig, Kelsi Krinkey and Mateja Krinkey; many nieces; and longtime special friend, Rae Jean Mindham. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Arnold E Billig

January 04, 1941 - January 19, 2024

Share photos of Arnold