William E. Peterson, Jr.

William E. “Bill” Peterson Jr., of Long Grove, Illinois, former State Senator and Vernon Township Supervisor, passed away on January 11, 2026, at the age of 89 at Northwest Community Hospital.

Visitation for Bill will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at St Philip's Episcopal Church, 342 E. Wood Street, Palatine, IL, followed by a church service. The Interment will be private.

Senator Peterson was born on February 2, 1936, in Chicago to William Edward Peterson Sr. and Frances Weismantel.

He grew up in Chicago attended Lane Tech High School and later graduated from Schurz High School (Chicago) in 1956 where he was later inducted into their Alumni Hall of Fame. After receiving his associate’s degree from Wright Junior College, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Okinawa. He then completed his bachelor’s degree at North Park College in 1960, his Master's Degree in Education at Northern Illinois University in 1965, as well as postgraduate studies at Loyola University.

Bill began his career as an educator, teaching at West Northfield School in Northbrook and Henry Winkelman School in Glenview. He later served as principal at Ravinia School in Highland Park and then as Director of Field Services at the Illinois Association of School Boards.

He was elected Vernon Township Supervisor in 1975, a post he held until 2017. As Supervisor, he created numerous programs to support the children and seniors of the Township, including the summer camp, parks program, and reduced fare taxi services. He also established and grew the Township food pantry and was instrumental in bringing the Prairie View Metra station to Lincolnshire.

From 1982 - 1992, Bill served in the Illinois House of Representatives. Elected to the Illinois State Senate in 1992, he served until his retirement in 2008, including service as Assistant Minority Leader. As a legislator, he was a proud champion of educational access, affordable housing, the earned income tax credit, and the expansion of early voting. He was highly respected by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle for his integrity, character, and institutional knowledge.

Bill’s greatest joy and highest priority was his family - his wife, his four children, five grandchildren, and later his beloved dogs. His favorite days were spent in a chaotic houseful of loved ones entertained by his signature humor.

He had a lifelong love of history, travel (especially cross-country in their various campers or RV), as well as an unwavering devotion to the Chicago Bears and Cubs. Fortunately, he was able to spend one of his last days watching a memorable Bears playoff victory over the Packers.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Patricia (Giuffre); his children Mark and Lori (Haevers); grandchildren Kyle, Samantha, Cameron, Taylor, and Myra; and dog Rocky. He was preceded in death by his sister Vera (Scherer), his children Wendy and Brad, as well as their dogs Bernie and Sparky.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Bill’s memory.