STOUGHTON - Bill Amundson died Dec. 21, 2020, three days short of his 92nd birthday. He was born in Stoughton, Wis., on Christmas Eve, 1928. Bill lived his adult life in the house where he grew up. As a boy, with brothers, Art Jr. and Dick, and sisters, Gloria and Louise, Bill spent summers on and in Lake Kegonsa. His parents, Art Sr. and Mabel, owned a dance hall and store on the south shore of Lake Kegonsa, and the family would live there in the summer. The boys ran free, barefoot and shirtless all summer. The site is now a state-owned park and boat landing known as Amundson Landing.

Bill joined the U.S. Navy as World War II was ending. He liked being a student at the University of Wisconsin, and he used his veteran benefits to spend several years there. He left with multiple degrees, including an MBA. He would spend several years working at a fishing lodge on Lake of the Woods in Canada. Bill joked he was the only dock boy with an MBA. His fish camp experiences became stories he would tell the rest of his life.

Bill settled on a career in the insurance industry, but his passion was airplanes. He was an early member of the Stoughton Aviation Club. Bill would buy and restore damaged vintage airplanes, often biplanes. His skill was recognized with an EAA Grand Champion award for a Piper Vagabond he and Dick Peterson restored in 1976. The old Amundson Auto garage on East Main in Stoughton became the workshop and clearing house for airplane parts, including parts for a replica Spirit of St. Louis that was touring the country. It was grounded in Madison, and of course Bill had the part to fix it. His camper was a fixture at the Oshkosh EAA fly-in, parked under the Norwegian flag surrounded by his extended aviation family.

Bill was a generous supporter of all things Stoughton. He is survived by his brother, Richard "Dick"; sister, Louise Schmoll; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was loved and will be missed. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Arthur, Jr. and Gloria Chadbourn. A memorial celebration at Matson Airport in Stoughton will be held when conditions allow.

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Cress Funeral and Cremation Service

206 W. Prospect St., Stoughton

(608) 873-9244

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Published by Madison.com on Dec. 27, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for William Amundson

Sponsored by Cress Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Stoughton.

7 Entries

Jeffrey R Sundby

April 8, 2025

Bill was a great guy, and is actually the person that got me involved in flying. He took me up in the red UPF Waco that was at Matson's airport one time, and I was hooked! I got my pilot's license the next year at 4-Lake Aviation in Madison, and took some dual with Roger. Bill and that whole crew from the "garage" were always so interesting to listen to. I know they must have a few planes in heaven for you to fix and fly. RIP Bill. Thanks for the memories.

Jessica Boyd

January 20, 2021

I got to know Bill in the 80's Tom and I would fly in on the weekends to visit with Bill. He was always a kind thoughtful man. He brought people into the airport for decades I think because of his personality. and t

Jim Neidert

January 18, 2021

I worked with Bill at Milw Ins, plus he was a fellow aviator & friend.
I enjoyed stopping at the old "garage"& visiting along with sampling some delicious black walnuts!
Bill was one of a kind & of course, sadly missed.

Adriana Jaramillo

December 29, 2020

Dear Richard, my sincere condolences. May your brother rest in peace. I will pray for his soul and your spiritual comfort and peace. Please receive a warm hug to you and Chela. Adriana

Bill and Anita Amundson

December 29, 2020

Bill Was a kind man and a great man. He provided encouragement, wisdom and mentorship to everyone who came in contact with him, while deflecting all attention from himself. He was the ringleader of a band of aviation aficionados who did amazing things, and his garage was the daily gathering place for a tight community of like minded individuals. My father referred to it as "the Church." Bill was my father's best friend, and I knew Bill my entire life. Now I have the challenge of living up to the legacy of his name. Thoughts of comfort and peace go out to Bill's family and everyone he ever touched. Fly West Bill, Fly West. Bill and Anita-James Amundson

Bob&Sally Clements

December 28, 2020

Was a Pleasure knowing you Bill. R.I.P.

The Staff of Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral Service, Inc.

December 27, 2020

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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