Robert M. Arthur

Robert (Bob) Milton Arthur was born on March 21, 1924, the son of Simon and Irma (Spielberg) Arthur. He passed away on October 12, 2014, at home with his family at his side.Bob was a loving husband, father, entrepreneur, inventor, engineer, veteran, author, and teacher. After serving in World War II, in Europe as a radio operator in a Field Artillery Observation Battalion, Bob completed four college degrees. He earned a B.A. in Physics from Ripon College (1949), a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Northwestern University (1953), an M.S. in Sanitary Engineering from Harvard University (1956), and a Ph.D. in Environmental Health Engineering from the State University of Iowa (1963). After several jobs working as a civil engineer, he began his teaching career at Rose Polytechnic Institute (now the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology) in Terre Haute, Indiana. He taught in the Civil Engineering department from 1956 to 1967. In 1967, he originated and became chairman of the Department of Biological Engineering, one of the first in the United States. In that capacity, he invented a revolutionary way to measure the metabolic activity of microorganisms, which had many industrial and scientific applications.In 1972, Bob moved his young family back to Fond du Lac, his hometown, to start a new career as an entrepreneur. He worked with his brother, Jim, in a civil engineering and land surveying firm while he worked on turning his inventions into a small business. That business eventually became Arthur Technology, Inc., a consulting, research & development, testing, and training firm specializing in the wastewater treatment industry. As CEO of that business, Bob developed seven patents, wrote dozens of technical papers and several books, won many industry awards, and worked to revolutionize the wastewater treatment industry. His passion for teaching and innovation echo through that industry even today.In March, 1965, Bob married Sally Kaye McMillan of Terre Haute, Indiana. Shortly thereafter, they had a son, Robert McMillan Arthur. For many enjoyable years, they lived at a home on Lake Winnebago in the town of Taycheedah. In 1996, Bob and Sally moved to their dream home high atop the Ledge overlooking the city. Bob and Sally loved spending their spare time working on their property, with Bob on his Ford 8N tractor. He was able to spend the rest of his days in that home, surrounded by the woods, flowers, and wildlife.Bob is survived by his wife, Sally K. Arthur; his son, Robert M. Arthur of Milwaukee; a sister, Marion S. Seibel of Fond du Lac, and a sister-in-law, Mary Rhodee Arthur of Fond du Lac. Many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends further survive him.His parents; his brother, James E. Arthur; and a brother-in-law, John Seibel, preceded him in death.A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2014, at Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 31 East Division Street, Fond du Lac, with Rev. Bill Beaton officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday at Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service.Burial will be in Rienzi Cemetery.Memorials may be directed to Salem United Methodist Church.

Robert M. Arthur

March 21, 1924 - October 16, 2014