William 'Bill' Peterson

RANTOUL - William J. "Bill" Peterson, also affectionately known as Billy or Pete, age 66, of Rantoul passed away Tuesday evening, July 28, 2015 at home. Born June 30, 1949 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, he was the son of William J. and Elizabeth (Schofield) Peterson. He married the love of his life, Cheryl Nelson, on September 12, 1970. Bill served his country with honor in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. Following his time in the military, he worked as a civilian at Chanute Air Force Base, repairing the trainers that were used to train active duty Air Force. And, for the last 20 years, he was a Boiler Room Operator. He enjoyed bowling and fishing in his younger years, and was always working on his car, washing and waxing it by hand. Bill had a passion for cooking, and making people happy through the food he made. But most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He was a loving husband and father who will be missed by all. Bill is survived by his wife of nearly 45 years, Cheryl Peterson; a daughter, Christine (Troy) Bergman of Parker, Colorado; a son, Erik (Beth) Peterson, and their children, Leslie, Hannah and Jonah of Rantoul; a sister, Sandra Thornton of Texas; two brothers, Mike (Jeannie) Peterson of Lopez Island, Washington, and Pat (Leslie) Peterson of Lafayette, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Sharon Peterson. A memorial service to celebrate Bill's life will be 10 am Monday, August 3, 2015 at American Lutheran Church in Rantoul. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial with military honors will follow services at Beckman Cemetery, Thomasboro. A memorial has been established in his name for the American Heart Association. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Sunset Funeral Home, 710 N. Neil Street in Champaign. Please join Bill's family in sharing memories, photos and video of his life on his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.