Celebrate Bill Peterson's Life and Legacy

Co-organized

Brian Everett Peterson and RoseMary Welsh are organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

It is with heavy hearts that we share that Bill Peterson passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, July 21st. His beautiful soul is now resting in the loving arms of God.

Please join us for a celebration of Bill’s life on Saturday, August 23rd. A memorial service will be held at Bethany Baptist Church of Christ in Evanston, IL—Bill’s beloved home church—and will be followed by an alcohol-free gathering at Lake Michigan, another place close to his heart.

As we come together to celebrate Bill's life and legacy, we've created this GoFundMe as a way for friends, family, and community members to contribute to his memorial and last services, and help us honor him in a meaningful way. Your support and participation will allow us to give him the beautiful farewell he deserves. ❤️

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Born on November 11, 1990, in Evanston, IL, to Bob Peterson and Mimi McRae, Bill grew up in the Evanston area and graduated from Loyola Academy in 2009.

Bill was a unique and passionate person, deeply interested in philosophy, spirituality, technology, politics, history, and the pursuit of justice. He had a relentless drive to learn and to understand the world—and just as strong a desire to connect with others in meaningful conversation. He loved to ask difficult questions.

Though he didn’t follow a traditional path, Bill was a humanitarian, and a polymath. His varied interests ranged from the Israel-Palestine conflict to an AI contracting business he started. His creativity and curiosity shaped every project and every conversation he touched.

Bill never met a stranger; he made friends easily. He described himself as both “goofy” and "intense". He could speak with anyone about anything, often with disarming honesty, sharp insight, and undeniable charisma.

He was known for his willingness to say what others might not, and his desire to both understand and be understood.

He enjoyed learning, and was a prolific writer and a student of theology. He played guitar, poker, chess, and explored new technologies—most recently AI. More than anything, he loved people. He was fiercely intelligent, endlessly curious, and unmistakably himself.

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Every contribution, no matter the size, will help us honor Bill's memory and legacy. If you are unable to donate, we kindly ask that you share this page with others who may want to support or offer condolences.

Thank you for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers during this difficult time. We are holding each other close—and carrying Bill with us always.