Arthur "Art" Bidwell Tillman, Iii

Arthur "Art" Bidwell Tillman III, 84, went to heaven on Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Art was born on August 22, 1941, to Arthur Bidwell Tillman II "Bid" and Eva Miller Tillman, the second of their eight children. He was born and raised in Wilton, Wisconsin, a place he held dear. On August 29, 1964, he married Muriel (Bernhardt) Tillman, and together they built a life centered on family, faith, and adventure, including endless road trips. Art loved a good road trip, especially if it was to visit family.

Art proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1967, attaining the rank of Airman First Class (A1C). During his service, he was stationed in Guam. In 1971, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He began his career with Square D in Barboursville, West Virginia, later moving to Beckley, West Virginia, where he and Muriel planted their roots and raised their two sons. Art went on to work as a manager and lighting manufacturer's representative before retiring in 2014 at the age of 73.

Art lived an active life - there was no telling him to slow down! He and Muriel spent summers in Wilton, Wisconsin, and the rest of the year in West Virginia, taking advantage of the beauty of both states they called home. In Wilton, he enjoyed swimming and canoeing on the Kickapoo River, winter activities on Wendorf's Hill, hiking to Man Rock, and biking the Elroy-Sparta Trail. In West Virginia, he loved golfing, whitewater rafting, and canoeing down the New River. His favorite days were spent boating, water skiing, and snow skiing with his boys. He was especially proud when he qualified for the free ski pass for those age 70 and older!

When Art was at home in West Virginia, he could be found tinkering with his '52 Ford pickup and '26 Model T, which he was determined to restore. He also loved watching sports, especially his beloved Packers. And did you know that Art was a dancer?! Without a doubt, above all else, spending time with family was most important to him and the reason for nearly all of his cross-country travels. Art and Muriel rarely, if ever, missed a family wedding or special event, no matter the distance. Most recently, one of Art's greatest joys was spending time with his granddaughters, Tess and Nora, and watching them play basketball.

Art was a faithful and devoted member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tomah, Wisconsin.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Muriel (Bernhardt) Tillman; his children, son Damon and Katie Tillman of Royal Oak, MI, and son Mark Tillman of Whitefish Bay, WI; as well as his cherished granddaughters, Tess and Nora Tillman.

Art is also survived by his siblings (family reunions with this group were his favorite): Marjorie Youngren of Downers Grove, IL; Lois McCue of Winter Springs, FL; Louise and Ken Larsen of Houston, TX; Barbara Erickson of Hinsdale, IL; Dan and Rose Tillman of Crest Hill, IL; Philip and Cheryl Tillman of Alburnett, IA; and Sally and Michael Rogina of Naperville, IL.

He is further survived by his brother-in-law, Garland Bernhardt of Moline, IL; sister-in-law, Jeannine Murray of Tomah, WI; as well as many adored cousins and dozens of nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. Art also had many treasured neighbors and friends in West Virginia.

Art was preceded in death by his parents, Bid and Eva Tillman; brothers-in-law Jim McCue, Robert Erickson, Al Youngren, and Bob Murray; sister-in-law Maxine Bernhardt; and nephew Stephen McCue.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 525 Superior Avenue, Tomah, WI. Interment will follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Tomah.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wilton American Legion, P.O. Box 311, Wilton, WI 54670.

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net .

Local arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 1901 South Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV.