The world lost a great titan and teacher when Alan Elm Peterson passed away peacefully on April 20th, 2020 at the age of 90. His generosity was profound and his leadership esteemed. Alan Peterson was born of the Great Depression. He arrived on Friday the 13th of September 1929. Maybe it's fitting he passed away amidst a global pandemic. Those formidable challenges built a man of resilience, integrity and compassion. A natural entrepreneur, Alan rose to partner at Arthur Andersen in 1966 and served until 1980, when he established Peterson Consulting. In 1994 he founded Tucker Alan. He was a pioneer in the world of government contract consulting and founded the litigation consulting practice at Andersen in the early 1960's.His accomplishments included testifying before congress and contributing to GAO reports. A "Computer World" article from 1979 quotes his insight, even though he never learned how to operate one. Transforming business came naturally. When his high school yearbook lost funding, Alan Peterson arranged to keep the tradition alive. He was a sharp negotiator, a skilled wordsmith, and an intellectual powerhouse. Being a lifelong student fed his yearning for knowledge. From his early childhood in Orion, Illinois to his studies at Northwestern University, Master's in Accounting at Michigan State and an Honorary Doctorate from Purdue, Alan was both an expert and an educator. In his later years, he served as a mentor to countless young professionals cutting their teeth in the consulting world. In 1953, he joined the Navy and moved his new bride, Milly, to Bay City, Michigan. The couple welcomed son Mark in 1956 and Doug 5 years later in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Alan had a deep appreciation for the arts. Known to quote old movies and musicals, He had a story for everything. He was the driving force bringing the famed Frida Kahlo exhibit to the College of DuPage in 2021. More than anything, Alan Peterson believed in giving back. His generosity was legendary. From wait staff, to hospitals, to universities and scholarships, Alan's philanthropic efforts funded endless community projects and educational opportunities. Alan Peterson leaves behind a lasting legacy through his sons, Mark and Doug, and their wives Marcie and Edvania. He was Grandpa to Erin, Patrick and his wife Rachel, Kirsten, Matthew, Haley and Benjamin Peterson. Lucy, Meredith and Stanley Peterson knew him simply as GPop. In death, he joins the wind beneath his wings. Wife, Milly, passed away in January 2020. A private visitation will be held on Saturday, May 2nd with a funeral service at 2pm to be live-streamed via www.facebook.com/LEONARDMEMORIALHOME/. See www.leonardmemorialhome.com or 630-469-0032 for details. A memorial celebration of Alan Peterson's life will come at a later date, when it's safe to gather again. In the meantime, you're encouraged to share stories at rememberingalan.com. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to one of Alan's beloved charities: Metropolitan Family Services of DuPage, College of DuPage Foundation or The National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

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Published by Daily Herald on Apr. 26, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for ALAN PETERSON

Sponsored by Daily Herald.

8 Entries

Maggie McConnell

July 6, 2020

I haven't seen Alan for a long time, and was hoping to send him a thank you note for his support in my career. I am saddened to know that I missed the opportunity to do that by a few months. Alan was a key "leg of the stool" assisting me through the American Bar Association's Public Contract Law Section in my young career as a state and local government procurement lawyer. He was always gracious and gave me the feeling that I could turn to him at time. Alan was a legend in the section because of his willingness to support the section's efforts as well as those of its members. I am so sorry that he won't be able to hear this directly from me.

May 4, 2020

Dear Peterson Family:

It is with great personal sadness that Carolyn and I learned of Alan's passing. On the very day your kind thank you note regarding Milly reached us, we also learned of Alan's passing. Our deepest condolences to the entire Peterson family during these difficult times only further compounded by the pandemic.

Alan lead by example. It is noteworthy that he was productive throughout his long career. Now having worked with many other leaders I can clearly see how Alan set himself apart. Unlike many other leaders of professional service firms, he was engaged in client service. Working like the rest of us to provide high quality service and to solve other people's problems. He was an incredible individual who had the foresight to create an industry and the character to be both respected and appreciated by others for decades. I will not forget Alan nor what he did for all of us.

May God bless his family for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Tom and Carolyn Britven

May 2, 2020

My deepest condolences to Alan's family, and I hope that all of his children and grandchildren will continue to pass on the greatness that was Alan to the rest of the world. I am blessed to have known Alan and will do my best to pass on the many lessons that I learned from him. If anyone can look back and be completely satisfied with his life and how he positively impacted others, it was Alan. Rest in peace.

Bob Groves

Michael Wallace

May 2, 2020

Wishing peace, and great memories of Alan, to Mark and Doug and all the rest of Alan's extended family. Those of us that learned about business and life from Alan are forever changed for the better by knowing him. Thank you to the Peterson family for sharing Alan with the rest of us. I miss him and treasure my memories of my time with Alan.

Tammy Deiber

May 2, 2020

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Tom Patrick

April 29, 2020

Mentor, boss, partner, friend. The most respected and admired man I personally knew, as well as the best businessman, consultant and accountant. You had quite a ride, Alan--so very glad you brought me along for part of it. Both Alan & Milly were the best kind of people; most heartfelt condolences to Mark, Doug and all their families.

April 29, 2020

Thinking of the family and wishing them comfort and peace

April 27, 2020

Thinking of the family and wishing them comfort and peace

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