William E. "Bill" Amorde

William "Bill" Amorde, 82, a lifelong resident of Superior, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 26, 2025.

Bill was born on March 8, 1943, in Superior, Wisconsin, to Oscar and Ellen (Johnson) Amorde. He was a proud graduate of Superior East High School, Class of 1960, and later served his country for six years in the National Guard.

On March 15, 1969, Bill married Catherine "Cathy" Cochrane. Together they built a life rooted in family, service, and shared purpose, celebrating 56 years of marriage.

Bill's lifelong passion for aviation began with his first flight lesson on August 5, 1962, at the age of 19, a moment that would define the course of his life. He went on to earn an extraordinary range of aviation certifications, including Airline Transport Pilot (ASE), Commercial ASES, AMEL, Rotorcraft–Helicopter and Gyroplane, Glider, Lighter-Than-Air Free Balloon, and Instrument ratings. He also held a Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificate (CFI) with ASEL, AMEL, Instrument, Glider, and Rotorcraft–Helicopter ratings, as well as a Mechanic Certificate with Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) ratings and Inspection Authorization (IA).

In July 1976, Bill became a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) for the Federal Aviation Administration, administering nearly 5,000 flight tests over his distinguished career. Alongside Cathy, he owned and operated Twin Ports Flying Service beginning in 1966. In 1969, Bill was appointed Airport Manager of Richard I. Bong Airport, a position he held with dedication and integrity for more than 50 years. In recognition of his profound contributions to aviation, Bill was inducted into the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame in 2017.

Beyond the cockpit, Bill embraced life with enthusiasm. He enjoyed motorcycling, ATV riding, boating, snowmobiling, and downhill skiing, always drawn to speed, adventure, and the outdoors.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved son, Thomas Amorde; and his sister, Alice Baski.

He is survived by his wife, Cathy; his children, Deb Amorde and Bob (Deborah) Amorde; his grandchildren, Evelyn Amorde, Vivienne Amorde, and Aricin Amorde; his siblings, Eugene (Carol) Amorde, Joyce Brown, and Richard Amorde; many nieces and nephews; and a vast aviation community whose lives he touched as mentor, examiner, colleague, and friend.

Visitation will be held on Friday January 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Cathedral of Christ the King Church, 1111 Belknap St., Superior with Fr. Andrew P. Ricci as celebrant. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bill's name may be made to the EAA Young Eagles Youth Aviation Program, c/o EAA Chapter 272 Young Eagles Program, PO Box 3246, Duluth, MN 55803.