William E. "Bill" Pedersen

William Earl Pedersen “Bill” “Foot,” age 73, passed away on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 surrounded by his loving family.

William is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Kathleen (nee Higgins) Pedersen; children, Eric William Pedersen, Ann Marie Pedersen, Amy Frances (Steve Rabb) Pedersen, Christopher William Pedersen and Kaitlyn Mary Pedersen; granddaughter, Jersie Rabb; siblings, June (Edward) Brown, Pamela (Robert) Banaszak and Earl Richard (the late Maura) (Pamela) Pedersen; sister-in-law, Jennifer (Mike) Otis; brothers-in-law, William (Cindy) Higgins and James (Rosemary) Higgins numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends; and his loving buddy “Teddie.”

Preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Mary (nee Valentich) Pedersen; father and mother-in-law, William and Frances (nee Jursinovic) Higgins; sister-in-law, Maura Pedersen; and a nephew, Seth Jenkins.

Bill was born and raised in Joliet. He attended St. Mary Nativity Grade School, JT Central High School and was a graduate of the Chicago Police Academy. He retired from the Joliet Police Department as a master patrolman after 23 years of service, receiving numerous commendations. Bill enjoyed coaching baseball at St. Joseph Park and Goltz Park and was the proud former president of both organizations. He was the current President of the Croatian Cultural Club in Joliet where he enjoyed dancing, listening to music and laughing with family and friends. Bill enjoyed antique cars, especially his gold 57’ Olds 88 and “listening to her purr.” He was a devoted Jeopardy player, an outstanding soup chef and an avid Chicago White Sox fan. Bill was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who loved to be socially active and will be dearly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, donations in William’s name to Stepping Stones Treatment Center in Joliet or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

A celebration of William’s life will begin on Monday, June 25, 2018 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:15 a.m. then driving in procession to St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Mary Nativity Cemetery in Crest Hill. Visitation will be on Sunday, June 24, 2018 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.