William “Bill” R. Arnold Sr.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Diane: his son Bill Jr (Sue), his daughter Corcinna (Cori), his grandsons Dustin (Kyla), Chase (Kortney) and Bryce; his granddaughter Samantha; his great grandsons Owen and Kase; and his great granddaughters Emma and Blake, and a sister, Cathy Arnold. He also leaves behind his beloved dog Aly, who will greatly miss her ‘Daddy’.
Bill was born on December 9, 1948 in Beloit, WI to Ralph and Eva (Meech) Arnold. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1967. He proudly served his country in the Vietnam War as a Spec 4 in the Big Red One and Americal Divisions of the US Army where he received two Purple Hearts (one in each division). He served from February 1969 until his honorable discharge in 1971.
Bill married his high school sweetheart Diane Maly on March 2, 1970 in Honolulu, Hawaii while on R & R from Vietnam. He returned to his job at the Chrysler plant in Belvidere, IL which he retired from in 1999. He graduated from Rock Valley College Rockford, IL with an Associate’s Degree in Earth Science.
Bill and his wife built their dream home in the Oxford area completing it in 2020. Bill called it his “Paradise on Earth”. While living in Beloit, WI, Bill was active with the Turtle Volunteer Fire Department where he also served as an EMT and paramedic. He served at one time as the Turtle Township Chairman. He was also a former member of St. Stephen’s Parish in Clinton and the Knights of Columbus.
Bill loved to trap, hunt, fish, and shoot trap as well as traveling all over the World. He was a former member of the Rock Valley Anglers, the Beloit Rifle Club and Ducks Unlimited. Bill was the Parade Marshall for the 2024 Fourth of July parade in Adams/Friendship.
Bill was a life member and Chaplain of the Oxford VW Post 6003 where he enjoyed calling Bingo on Monday nights when he wasn’t traveling or trapshooting at the Pine Bluff or Westfield trap clubs. He was a life member of VVA.
Bill participated in 2019 as part of the Badger Honor Flight to Washington DC accompanied by his daughter Cori. He also went proudly on the Vet’s Roll in 2024 to Washington DC.
Bill was a devout member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where he enjoyed serving as an usher and greeter. He was third degree knight at the St. Joseph’s KC Council #6718 where he served as an Inside Guard. He was the sextant of Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Bill was the current Commander of the Adams County Honor Guard. He was also on the Veteran Service Commission to help with the new memorial at the courthouse.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; sister Barbara Brown; and nephew Jason Brown.
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Services are pending, details to follow are plans are finalized.
Bill was my birding buddy. We compared backyard birds and I always learned so much from him…such a kind man…He will be greatly missed by all.
To the ones left behind know he will always be with you. He is only gone in body his spirit will always be here will miss him but he is in his home with God now. So sorry he’s gone enjoyed the time we spent together on Mondays and Wednesdays.
It was honor to know Bill. He will be greatly missed at the VFW. Our deepest condolences to Diane and family.
R.I.P. Brother.
What a wonderful man. Would do anything for anyone. My condolences to Diane and the family. He will be missed by many.
Dear Diane, Bill Jr. Cori, and Family,
I am sorry to hear of Bill passing away, and your Family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I did not know Bill, but in Reading his obituary, I read of his Service to OUR COUNTRY, and how he recieved THE PURPLE HEART MEDAL TWICE!!! I THANK GOD FOR ALL OUR VETERANS, FOR WITHOUT THEM, WE COULD NOT REMAIN FREE!!! May we all be eternally Grateful to all who have Served and also to Teach our Children, that Freedom is not Free!!! It was Paid for with a Great Price!!! Thank You to Bill’s Family, and Thank You Bill R.I.P.
Eternally Grateful,
Lennard A. Wilson
Diane i am very sorry to hear about Bill passing bill was like a brother to me to talk to and go fishing with was a brother and good friend rest in peace brother
Diane and family, very sorry to hear of his passing He will be missed, one of the good guys.
Diane and family…..We just learned of Bill’s passing and he will be missed by all who knew him, including us. I know all the groups he was involved with have lost a great help and he will never be able to be replaced. `His heart was full of love and he cared for all his friends and the family will miss him terribly. If there is something we can help with, please call us.
Bill you will be missed by so many. So sorry for your families loss. Monday night bingo won’t be the same with out ya bill!!RIP Bill