William E. Peterson
William E. Peterson | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Illinois Senate from the 26th district | |
| In office 1993–2009 | |
| Preceded by | Greg Zito |
| Succeeded by | Dan Duffy |
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives | |
| In office 1983–1993 | |
| Preceded by | District created |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 2, 1936 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | January 11, 2026 (aged 89) |
| Party | Republican |
| Profession | Educator |
William E. Peterson (February 2, 1936 – January 11, 2026) was an American politician and educator who served as a member of the Illinois Senate from 1993 to 2009. He also served as the Assistant Minority Leader.[1][2][3]
Early life and career
William E. Peterson was born on February 2, 1936, in Chicago. Peterson served on the school board in Elmwood Park, Illinois before moving to the north suburbs. He taught at schools in Northbrook and Highland Park.[4] He graduated from Schurz High School in 1956. After receiving his associate’s degree from Wright Junior College, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed for a time 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.[5]
He was appointed to the township board of trustees for Vernon Township in 1973 and served from 1973 to 1977. He was then elected township supervisor, defeating incumbent supervisor Michael Zimmer for the position.[6] He served as supervisor while simultaneously serving in the Illinois General Assembly. He remained in the office after retiring from the Illinois Senate, retiring in 2017.[7]
Illinois General Assembly
Peterson previously served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1983 to 1993. He served in the Illinois Senate from 1993 to 2009. For part of his time in the Illinois Senate, his committee responsibilities were: Senate Committee of all; Insurance; Human Services; Local Government; Housing and Community Affairs (Minority Spokesperson); Executive; Labor.[8] Peterson had announced that he would not seek reelection in 2008. Republican candidate Dan Duffy of Lake Barrington defeated Bill Gentes, the mayor of Round Lake, in the November 4, 2008 election.
Death
Peterson died on January 11, 2026, at the age of 89.[5]
References
- ^ "Illinois General Assembly - Senator Biography". www.ilga.gov. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
- ^ "Illinois General Assembly - Senator Committees". ilga.gov. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
- ^ "Illinois Senate Republicans - Meet Senator Peterson - 26th District". July 31, 2007. Archived from the original on July 31, 2007. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
- ^ Lee, Thomas J. (September 25, 1985). "Peterson to seek state Senate seat". Daily Herald – via The Wikipedia Library.
- ^ a b "William E. Peterson, Jr". Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home. January 11, 2026. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
- ^ Walek, Gordon (January 11, 1981). "2 township incumbents bow out of race". The Daily Herald. p. 109 – via Wikipedia Library.
- ^ News-Sun Staff (July 17, 2007). "State Sen. Bill Peterson won't run again". Lake County News-Sun. Gurnee, Illinois. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved November 30, 2017.
- ^ "Illinois General Assembly - Senator Biography". www.ilga.gov. Retrieved March 8, 2022.