MEMORIAL-WILLIAM E. PETERSON

Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of SR0606

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SR0606 - 104th General Assembly

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SR0606
LRB104 20532 ECR 34007 r
1
SENATE RESOLUTION

2

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
3
to learn of the passing of former Illinois State Senator
4
William E. "Bill" Peterson Jr. of Long Grove who passed away on
5
January 11, 2026; and

6

WHEREAS, Senator Peterson was born to William Edward
7
Peterson Sr. and Frances Weismantel on February 2, 1936 in
8
Chicago, where he was raised and developed a lifelong
9
commitment to public service, education, and community
10
involvement; and

11

WHEREAS, Senator Peterson attended Lane Technical High
12
School and graduated from Schurz High School in 1956, later
13
earning induction into the Schurz High School Alumni Hall of
14
Fame; and

15

WHEREAS, Senator Peterson pursued his associate's degree
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at Wright Junior College; and

17

WHEREAS, Senator Peterson proudly served his country in
18
the United States Army, where he was stationed in Okinawa,
19
Japan; and

20

WHEREAS, Following his military service, Senator Peterson

SR0606
- 2 -
LRB104 20532 ECR 34007 r
1
received his bachelor's degree from North Park College in 1960
2
and his master's degree in education from Northern Illinois
3
University in 1965, and he completed postgraduate studies at
4
Loyola University; and

5

WHEREAS, Senator Peterson devoted the early years of his
6
career to education, serving as a teacher in Northbrook and
7
Glenview, as principal of Ravinia School in Highland Park, and
8
later as director of Field Services for the Illinois
9
Association of School Boards; and

10

WHEREAS, Senator Peterson was elected Supervisor of Vernon
11
Township in 1975, a position he held with dedication and
12
distinction for more than four decades until 2017, during
13
which time he created and expanded vital programs benefiting
14
children and seniors, including summer camps, parks programs,
15
reduced-fare taxi services, and the Township food pantry, and
16
he played a key role in bringing the Prairie View Metra station
17
to Lincolnshire; and

18

WHEREAS, Senator Peterson served in the Illinois House of
19
Representatives from 1982 to 1992, and he was elected to the
20
Illinois State Senate in 1992, where he served until his
21
retirement in 2008, including service as assistant minority
22
leader; and

SR0606
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LRB104 20532 ECR 34007 r
1

WHEREAS, As a legislator, Senator Peterson was a steadfast
2
advocate for educational access, affordable housing, the
3
earned income tax credit, and the expansion of early voting,
4
and he was widely respected by colleagues on both sides of the
5
aisle for his integrity, character, and deep institutional
6
knowledge; and

7

WHEREAS, Senator Peterson also enjoyed lifelong passions
8
for history and travel, and he was a devoted fan of the Chicago
9
Bears and the Chicago Cubs; and

10

WHEREAS, Above all else, Senator Peterson treasured his
11
family, finding his greatest joy in his wife, his children,
12
his grandchildren, and his loved ones, delighting them with
13
his warmth, humor, and devotion; and

14

WHEREAS, Senator Peterson was preceded in death by his
15
parents; his sister, Vera; and his children, Wendy Peterson
16
and Brad Peterson; and

17

WHEREAS, Senator Peterson is survived by his wife of 67
18
years, Patricia; his children, Mark Peterson and Lori; five
19
grandchildren; and his dog, Rocky; therefore, be it

20

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL
21
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of

SR0606
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LRB104 20532 ECR 34007 r
1
former State Senator William E. "Bill" Peterson Jr. and extend
2
our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who
3
knew and loved him; and be it further

4

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
5
presented to the family of Senator Peterson as an expression
6
of our deepest sympathy.

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