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William L. Rutherford

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Bradley University Columbia University University of Chicago

William Rutherford Obituary

PEORIA - William L. Rutherford, 91, of 6900 N. Upper Skyline Drive died at 10:07 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006, at his home.

Born Dec. 28, 1914, in Peoria to Dr. Leslie and Margaret Tallman Rutherford, he married Hazel S. (Sommer) Rutherford on Sept. 21, 1937, in Peoria. She died Aug. 31, 2000.

Surviving are two sons, Dr. William (and Jan) of Geneseo and Dr. Ladd D. (and Bonnie) of Chestertown, Md.; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.

A founding member of the Forest Park Foundation, he and his wife Hazel directed foundation activities creating Wildlife Prairie Park, which opened to the public in fall 1978. The foundation deeded the park to the state of Illinois, which changed the name in 2000 to the Hazel and Bill Rutherford Wildlife Prairie State Park.

He graduated from Bradley University in 1934 and received his law degree in 1937 from the University of Chicago. He attended Columbia University in New York City for graduate work in taxation.

During World War II, he served as consultant to the Secretary of War in Washington, D.C., advising on steel production and allocation. Returning to Peoria after the war, he practiced law in association with several different attorneys, eventually in affiliation with James M. Tomlin. He continued to practice law and continued to work at Forest Park Foundation/Wildlife Prairie State Park until early this year.

Over the course of his life, he and his wife Hazel were instrumental in the purchase of more than 600,000 acres of land throughout the world, which was then turned over to parks and public bodies. He served on White House Commissions on Aging, served several Illinois governors as a member of the Board of Vocational Education, the Illinois Public Aid Commission and as director of the Illinois Department of Conservation, from which position he negotiated the transfer of the Hennepin Canal and Goose Lake Prairie properties to the state as recreational and preservation resources.

He represented the Greater Peoria Airport Authority during its formation and for several years thereafter, advocating the development of the new Mount Hawley Airport among other improvements. He headed Forest Park Foundation from its inception in 1939 until the spring of this year, founded the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, facilitated the expansion and building of hospitals and health facilities, housing for the elderly, Safety Town young drivers education facility, the Rock Island Trail, the Observation Tower (and woodpecker) in Peoria Heights, and innumerable other Peoria-centered projects. Though well-traveled, Peoria remained the center of his world.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Hespell Deck at the Hazel and Bill Rutherford Wildlife Prairie State Park. There will be no visitation. Cremation has been accorded by the Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co.

Memorials may be made to Friends of Wildlife Prairie State Park, 3826 N. Taylor Road, Hanna City, IL 61536.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star on Nov. 22, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for William Rutherford

46 Entries

David Oliver

February 20, 2022

Growing up, Forest Park was a favorite designation. RIP to a great Gentleman.

Jo Lakota

October 2, 2007

We'll be taking our students out to Wildlife on Thursday. They don't know what it was like, is like in places outside the classroom, or can be like. I told them how I saw that place - the strip mine, a lunar landscape - and of your vision and it's reality. Thanks, Bill. - Jo

Cindi Cameron

June 16, 2007

I remember visiting the park as a young child and it was one of my favorite places on earth. I cannot wait to share the same experience with my own children. We will be visiting soon!!! Thank you so much for giving us such a great place to escape to and remember what it was like way back when before urbanization and population growth.

dana kirk

May 14, 2007

you will be deeply missed!!!!

ANNETTE JONES

April 27, 2007

It is a wonderful park I`am very grateful that there is a place to see animals. I like zoo, but this is so open and I love to walk around.

Joanne Benes

January 19, 2007

I am a Docent at Brookfield Zoo and first met Mr. Rutherford many years ago on my very first visit to the Prairie Park, on a day-long bus trip where he personally welcomed us at the Visitors' Center. At that point, I knew nothing about him, but I recall an instant awareness of being in the presence of someone who used his deep conservation ethic to inspire others.
Since becoming a Member of the Prairie Park, I have learned much more about this awe-inspiring man who used his lifetime to accomplished so much.
I was privileged to encounter Mr. Rutherford on several more visits to the Park. I especially remember an overnight stay where I introduced my friends' children to him. Ever gracious, he smiled and made time to share one of nature's lessons with us.
The Prairie Park has lost its dearest friend -- but, Mr. Rutherford lives on in all of us who were touched by him.

Joe Cordrey

January 11, 2007

I was priviliged to fly Bill on many property searches in The Peoria Journl Star helicopter when I was there in the '60's.
He was a noble man and was true to his convictions to make Peoria and the world a better place.

Chip Heinz

December 12, 2006

I worked at WPP for 9 years during its infancy and early years. Bill and Hazel Rutherford afforded our young "rag-tag" group of employees the opportunity to learn - some times by our mistakes - about building a wildlife park, utilizing alternative sources of energy, offering good customer service, creating "fun" experiences for our visitors, embracing quality construction and accomplishing things the old-fashioned way - with hard work. For the past 23 years I have been utilizing my "education" at WPP at a very similar facility in Washington State - Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Our facility's founder died in January at the age of 92 - both he and Bill Rutherford were unique individuals and have left lasting legacies.

david pittman

December 12, 2006

I have never met a man who so clearly captured the image of who I would like to imitate as Bill Rutherford. He was gentle, committed, firm, clever, devoted to his wife and friends, respectful of all living things and a great fighter for a just cause. Throughout all of my own personal and community service, the best I hope for is that my efforts will be in the best spiritual legacy of this fine human being.

Tracy Stober

December 8, 2006

Mr. Rutherford was and continues to be an inspiration to me.
I worked as a park naturalist for both Forest Park Nature Center and Wildlife Prairie Park (1993-1999). Mr. Rutherford always encouraged me to follow my dreams and every day I remember seeing him working on something. He never seemed to miss a day 'volunteering'. Mr. Rutherford truely lived the dream many of us conservationalists have. He made a difference. Now,I live and make my home in the Northwest, and despite our many mountains we have less city park district land here than in Illinois , due to Mr. Rutherford's ceaseless efforts to make a better life for us all.

Rick Zinser

December 7, 2006

As a youngster in Chillicothe, I was introduced to Mr. Rutherford by my parents, Dick and Dorothy Zinser, and was told by them that I "had met a truly great man." How true. During the subsequent years I was honored to meet him again a number of times, and my respect grew. Time passed, and included Viet Nam service for me in the Navy during which I was blessed with meeting another great man,Jack Viera,the skipper of the ship on which I served.By fate, Captain Viera's daughter Jan and Mr. Rutherford's son Bill Jr. met and married, and I have considered this union of two truly outstanding families to be an epic event for me. Two of the most dynamic men I have ever met live on in the Rutherford/Viera families and in my heart.

Barbara Foster

December 7, 2006

I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Rutherford as I work for the Department of Natural Resources. His vision and compassion was beyond words.

The Wildlife Prairie Park is wonderful and the children enjoy visiting there.

He will be greatly missed but as we visit the park we will always remember him. God Bless!

Joyce Mitchell

December 5, 2006

A few years ago when I was an elementary teacher at Illini Bluffs Elementary School, my children received a very special letter from Mr. R. My students had been very upset by the needless death of Mac, a male black bear, who died as a result of someone throwing a ball into the bear enclosure. In response to this tragedy, my kids decided to take up a collection for Earth Day and donate it to the park in memory of Mac. I enclosed a short note with the donation telling of the kids' devotion to the park and its animals. Mr. R wrote a wonderful note to the children thanking them and showing them that everyone's efforts towards conservation and wildlife management together can make a difference.
Since my retirement three years ago, I have had the priviledge of being a volunteer in the education department at Wildlife Prairie State Park, and it has had a profound impact on my life. It was always such a positive experience when I was able to listen to Mr. R explain his goals and missions for the park and for conservation education. His ideals will always have a positive impact on my life, and I thank him for that.
The world has been a much better place because of Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford and they will be sorely missed. God bless you both.

Richard Erzen

December 4, 2006

Bill Rutherford was one of the greatest men I had the pleasure of knowing. He and his wife devoted most of their time , resourses and efforts to a variety of projects and causes designed to improve the lives of all people.

I knew Bill when I was serving as a school administrator at Richwoods High School and his sons Bill and Ladd were students. Needless to say, the sons reflected Bill's standards and ethucs.

I recall when Bill served as a member of the committee to select students who would study abroad as representatives of Richwoods. We had to select two of the six finalists. The next day after the meeting Bill called me.He was dismayed that we could select only two students when all of them were outstanding and deserving. To recognize their achiements, he anonymously arranged for and financed a great trip to Chicago for the students who were not selected.

He will be missed but his legacy will forever live on. It was a privilege to have known him. If only the world had more Bill Rutherfords. What a great place this would be.

Bonnie Cannon

December 4, 2006

It’s hard to share with others, or even to find the words to express how the life of this one great man has influenced my own life. Mr. R, as I’ve told him before, had a profound effect on my life. His vision of Wildlife Prairie State Park became my life when I joined the staff ten years ago. He had a way of making you believe that anything was possible and if you doubted him, he’d show you.

I hadn’t been at the Park for very long when I heard him tell this story to a small group who had come for a visit. He said that many years ago he began a project with Brookfield Zoo and the plan was to create a breeding ground for endangered hoofed stock, on what was once strip-mined land. He said that once his end of the deal was fulfilled, Brookfield changed management and strategic plans for the future.

He said that he then went to his board of directors (Forest Park Foundation) and told them that he would like to see a native animal park placed on that ground. He said that children and adults could learn about what it would have been like for the first settlers in the area. He said that most people have no idea that Illinois used to be inhabited by mountain lions and wolves, and elk and the list goes on. He said that rather than a cage, these animals would be in habitats, like woodlands and prairies. The people could learn more about them to see them in their natural habitats.

Mr. R said that the board asked him, “Well, can you do it for under a million dollars?” He replied, “The roads are in, the water and electricity are in, the ranger’s station is built and the 80+ acre pasture is fenced and ready for animals.” He said the board thought it all sounded like a pretty nice idea and they okayed the project. He paused, smiled at the audience and said, “And 17 million dollars later, here we are.”

He always had a way of catching you off guard like that. Those unexpected things that make your eyes widen and your mouth drop. And then we’d laugh. With a grand life achievement like his, the stories would fill volumes. There is a void left in his wake and to say that we would miss him, well that would be a gross understatement. It is with heartfelt emotion that I offer my sympathies to all those feeling the loss of the late, great, Mr. Rutherford. It does make it easier to know that he now, once again, resides with Mrs. She was once described as being the epitome of beauty and grace and I know that he missed her terribly.

Bonnie Cannon, Education Director
Wildlife Prairie State Park

Eric Ammann

December 3, 2006

Bill will always be remembered for his dedication to America's forgotten war heroes - War Dogs. Bill recognized the sacrifices that these dogs and their handlers made in the service to their country.

It Vietnam alone, over 4,000 dogs served there and completed more than 88,000 missions. It is said that the dogs, mostly German Shepherds, were so effective that had they not been used, another 10,000 names would be listed on the (Vietnam Veterans Memorial) Wall. Unfortunately, less than 200 dogs ever came back to the U.S. after Vietnam - deemed surplus equipment.

I was honored to be asked to take part in the dedication ceremonies at the unveiling of the War Dog Memorial that took place on May 31, 2003.

Thank you Mr. Rutherford for giving these dogs the credit that they deserve. Thank you for recognizing the extraordinary contributions of America's forgotten heroes.

David & Violet Balraj

December 1, 2006

During the Summer of 2005, we visited our son and daughter -in-law in Peoria, Il. Our daughter -in-law Lisa, was employed in wildlife Prairie Park. Mr. R. took us in his car and showed us the Park and treated us with a wondrful Sunday brunch!. He was a true gentleman! God Bless!.

Bernie Filzen

November 30, 2006

As a banker I had the pleasure of working with Bill for many years. He always had a smile and a good word for everyone. In later years, after my retirement, I'd run into Bill from time to time, and he'd always have a memory to share. The world will be a little less these days without Bill in it, however, those of us who knew him perhaps will do a little more ourselves in memory of Bill. He will be missed.

Gail Eaton

November 30, 2006

We Will Miss You Mr. Rutherford

As you walk up to the entrance of Megan's Lodge at Wildlife Prairie Park, you will notice a plaque that say's;

With Heartfelt Thanks
To
Bill and Hazel Rutherford
May 21st, 2006

"Your vision, generosity and faith have been the instruments of love that created this sanctuary. For twenty years you have provided an opportunity for our children and their families to come together...finding peace, hope and strength...May God continue to shower you with blessings

On November 21st, 2006 Mr. Rutherford died at his home at the age of 91. He would have been 92 on December 28th. If you live in the Peoria area you probably have seen the numerous articles in the Peoria paper that spoke of his life achievements. There were many..too many for me to list here. Let me just say that as I read about all of his career achievements, life achievements, awards, gifts, talents, philosophies, frustrations and ongoing dreams I was completely awed. I think one of my favorite things I read is that Mr. Rutherford had once said that a quote from 19th century orator and fellow Peorian Robert Ingersoll, "The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here. The way to be happy is to make others so," was his creed. And that is the man we knew.

I first met Mr. Rutherford and his late wife Hazel 20yrs. ago when we decided we would like to have a picnic to bring together families with children that have heart defects. We thought that Wildlife Prairie State Park would be a great place to do that and that was the beginning of a beautiful relationship between the Rutherford's and T.O.U.C.H.. Over the years Bill and Hazel would come to every picnic just to be sure everything was O.K. and of course to see the children. They both had a special place in their hearts for all of our cardiac kids.

About three years ago Mr. Rutherford came to the T.O.U.C.H. board with the proposal of donating a site at the park and making us the recipient of a grant for a cabin that would be just for our heart kids and their families. While the whole idea was extremely exciting I had many reservations about us being able to raise the money and do this. I remember him looking at me with that wonderful twinkle in his eyes and saying, "Don't waste time worrying about how you're going to do it, just do it, I'm not going to be around forever".

The project was started but we met many obstacles and our progress was slow. On January 11, 2006 I received a letter from Mr. Rutherford saying, "the cabin project is nowhere near the success we both had taken for granted".....I am open to suggestions, but it is like pushing on a rope..." Not only was he a giant with a love for life...but he could push on ropes. That was exactly the push we needed from this very gentle man. The cabin was dedicated May 21st, 2006.

Thank you Mr. Rutherford for your vision, generosity and faith in us...we have truly been blessed by your friendship. You and Hazel will live in our hearts forever...T.O.U.C.H. ( The Organization for Understanding Children's Hearts)

Lisa and Solomon Balraj

November 29, 2006

From the moment he hired me, Mr. R. always treated me with respect and valued my opinion. He welcomed my ideas and my yearly letter to him. I have learned so very much from Mr. R. and from my time at Wildlife Prairie. Being there made me truly understand what the phrase "God's Country" means.

My husband and I would like to extend our thanks to Mr. R. He always treated us well, inviting us into his life and his home. Mr. R. was equally generous with our parents as well. He took them on personal tours and invited them to Sunday brunch. Like everyone who met him, our parents would frequently ask of his welfare because he was someone you could never forget.

There aren't many people you meet who instantly touch your life and make a lasting impact. Mr. R. has touched us in ways that will stay with us forever. He extended his help like he did his generosity... quietly.

I frequently told Mr. R. that he should slow down a bit and take it easy. He always responded that he had too much to do. I have to say I thought/hoped he would live forever.

I had a dream recently. Mrs. R. came to get Mr. R. in the white VW. They rode slowly away up one of the roads in the Park. May he find solace in finally getting to be with Mrs. R again. And may his family find peace knowing that he is in a much better place.

Phil Frost

November 27, 2006

The world is a better place because of Bill Rutherford's vision and dedication for saving wildlife and wild places.

Over the years, there was always a small group of employees that actually lived in the Park. Our time living and working at Wildlife Prairie Park in the mid 90's carries many fond memories. Night walks in the Park, annual prairie grass burns, honking Canada geese flying over the stone house, and watching my children develop an even greater respect and appreciation for nature.

This unique opportunity holds many special memories and we are indebted to Bill and Hazel Rutherford for this experience.

Phil Frost,
Director, Baton Rouge Zoo

Kristi McCollum

November 27, 2006

it is sad to see such a wonderful and genorous person leave this earth but i know that god has prepared him a place in heaven

Windy Childs

November 27, 2006

From a Civics teacher, Bradley U 1950 & as a speaker IVC HS later, he was a motivator for myself. By word and deed. Respect yourself and the ecostructure!

Patty Cotta

November 26, 2006

My husband and I got to know Mr. Rutherford after our friend Bob Hespell died. Bob left a large portion of his estate to the park. Bill was so concerned that we all felt welcome and could see all that Bob's money was accomplishing. He took a group of us on a drive through the buffalo field one night, and the car got stuck. He called his wife, Hazel, to have someone come and rescue us, but it was dark, there were buffalo all around us and it took quite a while for help to arrive. He was so upset by what happened, but I have to say it was one of the most memorable times of my life! I will always remember it and him. He was larger than life!

katie bobb

November 26, 2006

Popo,I will miss you very much.You made a huge impact on the world and society.your loving grand daughter,Katie Rutherford Bobb

Kathleen Deffenbaugh

November 25, 2006

Bill was an amazing individual, he did not find what he did extradordinary, he thought he just did what anyone should do! I find that amazing, espeically in today's world. His legacy that he leaves us, is as amazing as he was. My inlaw's John and Virginia Deffenbaugh were close friends with Bill and Hazel. Gin volunteered for years before her death at Wildlife. Our prayers are with his family and what a joy we have to share with our own grandchildren, by visits to the park and many area locations that Hazel and Bill touched.
Kathleen Deffenbaugh

Carolyn Olson

November 25, 2006

We have visited the park many times and when Mr. Rutherford was out he would always take the time to speak to everyone and also took special time to visit with our grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

Joyce Newton

November 25, 2006

I have been a volunteer at Wildlife for 18 years in the Country Store and Gift Shop. Mr. R would often come in an say hello how's it going.I will miss seeing him walking around. He was a great man. Thanks for letting all of the volunteers be a part of his dream.

George and Marie Beaty

November 25, 2006

I would be remiss if I didn't sign the names of George and Marie Beaty. They worked for the Rutherfords both at their home and Forest Park. It was through the Beatys that I had the privelege and honor of meeting this great man. They all were great friends of mine. Paul Williams

David Mallery

November 24, 2006

Goodbye Bill, Your conservation efforts and accomplishments live on. You have set examples for all others to follow when it comes to conservation and life.

Chris Wahlfeld

November 24, 2006

It has saddened all of us to hear of Bill's passing. I do not live in Peoria now, but do come to visit. I for one will always think of Bill when visiting Forest Park and Wildlife Prarie. Our condolences, our best to the Rutherford Family.
Chris Wahlfeld & Family

Eileen Bergquist

November 24, 2006

Rutherford Family:
I remember Bill as the tall guy who came into the ASCS Office and check the maps while preparing to buy land for Wild Life Park.

He also brought his dog Frosty to the Vet Clinic where I worked.

I don't care where ever I met this man he talked to me as if I were one of his closest friends.

Yes Peoria has lost a great person and will be missed by lots of people. He has touched so many lives.

God Bless him.

Howard and Eileen Bergquist

Mike Braten

November 24, 2006

Bill Rutherford was a visonary unequaled by anyone I have known. I would not be the person I am today if it had not been Bill Rutherford's gentle nudging, telling me to take chances and strive to be the best I can be. Here's to you Mr. Bill - from your friend Mr. Mike.

Barb Macy

November 23, 2006

Bill and Hazel were good friends from the (former) OSF Saint Francis Health Fitness Center. I can remember many conversations I had walking around the track with them. And, sometimes it was difficult to keep up with Bill! I also will never forget their beautiful park and all the time I spent there with my family.

November 23, 2006

The end of an era...but the legacy lives on. While we have never met the Rutherfords personally, our family has certainly enjoyed their foresight and gifts to this area. Our condolences and prayers go to the whole family. Let your memories sustain you and know that Bill and Hazel are together planning things together with Him in Heaven!
Young family of East Peoria

Paul Williams

November 23, 2006

Mr Rutherford was was an inspirition, A wonderful man, and great friend.I will miss him terribly. If only more people had his vision and caring. God bless you my friend.

Tom Hines

November 22, 2006

As president of Spoon River College, I enjoyed getting to know Bill Rutherford, who helped the college on numerous occasions. He was always eager to contribute to our efforts to better understand how to make friends and to encourage people to appreciate the college.
Most importantly, we enjoyed our time with Bill. We had lunch together on numerous occasions, and he maintained his great enthusasim for life and what he did as well as his interest in other people.
We will miss him a great deal.
Drs. Tom & Robin Hines

Jack Bradley

November 22, 2006

On behalf of the Solder Hill Vol. Assn. I would like to offer our thank yous to Bill and Hazel. It was their generosity and guidence that gave us the will to carry on in the restoration of this hallowed ground in Springdale Cemetery. They were a team that just went ahead and "did it!"

Jack L. Bradley for the Soldier Hill Volunteer Association.
Alan Harkrader, Billy Craig, Steve Fletcher, Robert Lake, Mike Rollins, Joe Venovich, Bob Butler, Ted Rathbone, Doug Kramer, Burt Cullin, Rod Seaton and Jim Ballew.

Joni Anderson

November 22, 2006

I am very proud to say I've had the pleasure of knowing Bill and Hazel Rutherford for the past 22 years. They were both wonderful individuals who have left their mark for years to come.

Steve Bonfoey

November 22, 2006

Bill attended meetings and breakfasts at local chapter 563 of the Experimental Aircraft Association at Mt. Hawley Airport. His encouragement and advice led to the chapter’s reorganization of its bylaws and tax status and improved finances. He was an unassuming man, gracious to all, an easy and unpretentious conversationalist who was always surrounded by friends and we shall miss him.

Tom Beaty

November 22, 2006

We will always have Bill as part of our heritage. He and Hazel were as good of friends as God can provide. Our family mourns his death and rejoices in his life. Thank you Bill.

Jim Coutts

November 22, 2006

Sometimes we forget whose shoulders we stand on when pursuing our own professional goals. Mr. Rutherford was a visionary for sure and because of him thousand's of acres of valuable open space were preserved for future generations. His passion for conservation inspired me as a park and recreation professional to protect what I could when I could. I feel fortunate to have learned that lesson from Mr. Rutherford. The community of East Peoria and the people it was my pleasure to serve benefited from his wisdom, not mine. I hope Bill's legacy is preserved as is the land he inspired so many to protect.

Jim Coutts, Executive Director

Oregon Park District

Leigh Morris

November 22, 2006

I became acquainted with Bill in the 1970s. He changed my views about conservation, for which I will be forever grateful. I will think of Bill Thanksgiving Day morning while I am planting trees. He will be missed, but never forgotten.

John Boyer

November 22, 2006

Bill was a good man with a kind heart. I knew Bill from my affiliation with Seven Circles Heritage Center and with Return to Pimitoui Pow wow. At one of the pow wows I was honoring him for his community support and he turnd and honored me by presenting me with a pin replica of his war dog statur. It was my honor to have known Bill.

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