William Arthur

William “Bill” Arthur, age 85, passed away in Madison on April 29, 2025. Bill was born on July 17, 1939 in Madison, Wisconsin. His parents were Robert (the former Dane County District Attorney) and Irma (nee: Conrad) Arthur. He graduated from Edgewood High School in 1957 and earned a degree in Economics from UW-Madison. He spent two years as a lieutenant in the Army based in Chicago, where he was introduced to data processing. He worked for Continental Oil in Ohio, then returned to Madison to work for PBP, which became Sycom, medical business forms producer. Bill excelled at computers during his 26 years there becoming a Sycom partner in 1982.

Giving back to the community was very important to Bill. He volunteered full-time, sharing his photo/journalism and creative design computer skills with several non-profits. He served as board president of CSCI for 16 years, providing affordable office space for non-profits. He did computer design for 94 issues of the newsletter for The RSVP of Dane County. For 13 years, he volunteered his photography skills to the UW-Arboretum newsletter. He mentored individuals with their business plans via SCORE. Weekly he produced the power-point presentations at the Downtown Kiwanis meetings. Producing ads for the ARC of Dane County fruit sale fundraiser was another activity that brought him joy. Bill had an easy way with people from all walks of life. His cheerfulness and humor earned him many awards during his many years of giving back.

Bill is survived by his siblings Carolyn “Lynn” (Edward) Krasnowski and Robert C. (Mary) Arthur; niece Kaaren Paras-Harrison and nephews Richard Krasnowski, Paul and Luke Arthur. Bill is also survived by his long-term friend, Kathleen Kane, with whom he shared the joy of  touring public and private gardens in the U.S. and especially in England. His many relatives and friends celebrate his life.

He is preceded in death by his grandnephew, Simon Krasnowski.

Visitation will take place at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 401 Owen Dr., Madison, from 9:30-11 am with Mass of Christian Burial to follow. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Sun Prairie. Donations to honor Bill may be sent to Madison Community Foundation.

Cress Funeral Home

608-238-3434