SR0606 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0606 LRB104 20532 ECR 34007 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

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

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

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

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

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

WHEREAS, Following his military service, Senator Peterson received his bachelor's degree from North Park College in 1960 and his master's degree in education from Northern Illinois University in 1965, and he completed postgraduate studies at Loyola University; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of former State Senator William E. "Bill" Peterson Jr. and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

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