GVSU mourns death of longtime professor

The Grand Valley community is mourning the death of Professor Emeritus William (Bill) Peterson, who died December 24. He was 84.

Peterson was among the early faculty at Grand Valley, teaching economics for nearly 25 years and serving several years as department head. His daughter, Virginia (Ginny) Peterson, is currently an associate professor and chair of the Geology Department at Grand Valley. Read more about his life here.

"Bill was a super colleague who enjoyed working with students and was always available to assist colleagues. He maintained high academic standards," said John Reifel, professor emeritus of economics. "Bill was a computer whiz; he loved learning about new computer programs and was an early adopter of the latest computer technology."

The family said those who wish to give gifts in his memory can consider a donation to the Chuck Peterson Memorial Film and Video Endowed Scholarship at Grand Valley or to hospice. 

A celebration of Peterson's life will be held January 16 at 10 a.m. at Stegenga Funeral Chapel in Belmont, followed by an open house visitation. 

For more information, visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com.