SR0862 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0862 LRB104 22287 LAW 38696 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Luke William Peterson of Chatham, who passed away on May 25, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Luke Peterson was born to Emily (Reid) and Chad Peterson in Chicago on September 19, 2012; he and his family moved to Springfield in 2014, and he proceeded to attend Ball-Chatham Community Unit School District 5 to start kindergarten, where he was quickly labeled a quiet leader; and

WHEREAS, Luke Peterson, known by many as an exceptional baseball and basketball player in the Springfield and Chatham communities, took a deep interest in athletics from an early age and proved to be a natural at most sports he tried; he loved competing, especially against his brother, Reid, and their one-on-one competitions were heated but full of laughter; and

WHEREAS, Luke Peterson was a hard worker, spending countless hours shooting hoops, pitching, taking batting practice, and attending developmental camps; before long, he earned a spot on a series of highly-competitive traveling teams; as a gifted player, he often played up a level with teammates who were a year older; his ability, commitment, and kindness made him a beloved member on each team he joined, earning him countless friends along the way; and

WHEREAS, Luke Peterson was an intense competitor who wore #53, when possible, to honor his grandfather's race car number; a talented left-handed pitcher with a smooth, powerful swing, he also displayed a natural grace of movement and tremendous vision on the basketball court; he developed a reputation among his coaches and teammates for delivering intense, high-stakes moments, earning him the nickname "Cool Man Luke"; his poise under pressure translated into some triumphant plays and dramatic victories over the course of his career; in his typically understated manner, he would celebrate such moments with a quick fist pump, a headshake, and a satisfied smile; and

WHEREAS, Luke Peterson, though quiet, still possessed plenty of swagger and personality; he had confidence in his style from a young age, wearing flashy clothes, sporting lots of athletic gear to match his favorite players, and rocking a long-flowing mullet by age seven; in his early years, he loved dressing up, wearing a Paw Patrol or Ninja Turtles costume on a seemingly daily basis; and

WHEREAS, Beyond his athletic pursuits, Luke Peterson loved spending time with his friends, especially his brothers in life, Levi Isringhausen and Jace Meier, and his cousin, Fiona Corley; though he was always popular among his peers, he remained inclusive and had an innate sweetness to him, always looking to connect with people and bring them into his circle; he also enjoyed spending time with his younger cousins, flashing his radiant, slow smile as they sang and danced around the room; and

WHEREAS, Luke Peterson was an exceptional son who adored his parents and looked up to his brother, Reid, and he will be remembered as a humble, compassionate, and charismatic young man who pursued excellence in everything he did; and

WHEREAS, Luke Peterson is survived by his mother; his father; his brother; his grandparents, Jerry and Lynn Peterson and Jack and Sue Reid; his great-grandmother, Kathryn "Kit" Refine; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins; 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 Luke William Peterson 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 Luke Peterson as an expression of our deepest sympathy.