William "Bill" Petersen

William “Bill” Carl Petersen, 73, of Rushville, passed away at 4:10 AM, Friday, May 24, 2019, in the home that he had built himself.

He was born on September 24, 1945, in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Edward and Marzella (Willis) Petersen.

Bill graduated from North Clay Community High School in Louisville, Illinois, in 1963.  He enlisted in the Unites States Air Force, in 1964, during the Vietnam War.  He met Karen Kennedy and they had only 11 dates before he was deployed to Germany, where he would serve until his discharge in October of 1968. Following, his discharge from the Air Force, he worked at Anaconda Wire and Cable in Flora, Illinois.  In 1969, he began his career with CIPS in Beardstown as a Substation Electrician.  He retired in March of 2007, as a Substation Electrician Troubleman.

He and Karen were married at the Old Union Christian Church in Louisville, on August 30, 1969.

Surviving are his wife Karen, two sons Jason Petersen and wife Jennifer of Paducah, Kentucky and Dustin Petersen and wife Lacey of Camp Point, four grandsons Cole, Caleb, William and Alexander Petersen, four brothers Jimmy Petersen and wife Joyce of Corbin, Kentucky, Larry Petersen and wife Joyce, Darrel Petersen and wife Loletta and Allan Petersen all of Louisville, two sisters-in-law Sue Petersen of Louisville and Terri Petersen Hillyer of Effingham, two aunts, two uncles and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by an infant daughter Rebecca Petersen, and two brothers Phillip Petersen and Marty Petersen.

Bill attended the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, south of Rushville and was a member of the Schuyler American Legion Post #4.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his grandsons.  His passion was helping others and serving the church.  He was the rock of his family and taught his sons the value of hard work.

Services will be at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, south of Rushville, with Pastor Charla Meyers and Barbara Wooldridge officiating.  Interment will follow in the Beardstown City Cemetery, with military rites by the US Air Force Honors Detail and Schuyler American Legion Post # 4.  Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday, May 27, 2019, at the Wood Funeral Home in Rushville.  Memorials are suggested to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Sugar Grove United Methodist Church or the Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice.