Attorney Louis E. Olivero passed away April 20, 2017, at his home in Peru. He was 84. 

A private Mass of Christian burial was held at St. Joseph’s Church, Peru. Burial was with full military honors at Peru City Cemetery on April 25, 2017. Arrangements were by Mueller Funeral Home, Peru.

He was born June 5, 1932, in Spring Valley the youngest child of Charles and Jean (Mini) Olivero. He attended school in Dalzell and later graduated as the senior class president from Hall High School.

Louis attended the University of Illinois, graduating with a B.S. in accounting. Following graduation, he was commissioned 2nd lieutenant in the United States Air Force and entered pilot training where he earned his pilot wings and also a commercial pilot license. He served as a fighter pilot during the Korean Conflict and later joined the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Louis entered the U.S. Air Force Reserves after his tour of active duty ended and completed 26 years of honorable military service, retiring at the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Following service to his country, Louis studied law at the University of Illinois, where he was elected senior class president and earned his J.D. While in college, he met and married Mary Louise Martin, who passed away on Oct. 8, 2003, after 50 years of marriage. They were the parents of four children, Douglas, David, Philip and Marcia.

Louis began the practice of law in 1960 in Peru, practicing for more than five decades. He established the law firm of Louis E. Olivero & Associates and his two sons, Douglas and David, joined the firm and later became partners.

Louis was admitted as attorney and counselor of the U.S. Supreme Court and the Illinois Supreme Court and in 2003, he argued a case that led to an Illinois Supreme Court decision establishing the constitutionality and protection of the rights of fathers in all children. He was former president of La Salle County Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association where he was on the Board of Governors, and Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.

In addition to this distinguished legal career, Louis was active in civic affairs. Among other positions, he was appointed attorney for the City of Peru where his visionary work helped expand Peru’s property and city services to include the vibrant commercial corridor at Interstate 80, attorney for Peru Township, attorney for the Village of Utica, instructor at Illinois Valley Community College and a member of the board of directors at the Community Bank of Utica. He was instrumental in securing the installation of the Peru Army Reserve Center, encouraged the school district to purchase the land for what is now the site of the new Parkside Middle School and contributed to the selection of Peru for the regional Social Security office. Louis was also a longtime member and benefactor of St. Mary’s Parish in Peru.

Louis is survived by his children, Douglas (Melissa), David and Philip (Relynn), all of Peru and Marcia (David) Kimmel of Rye, New York; nine grandchildren, David, Lindsey, Matthew, Nathan, Caroline, Catherine, Philip, Cameron and Andrew; his dear friend, Audrey Sebben; and brother, Carlo Olivero. Louis was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his brothers, John and Dato and his sister, Minnie.

Louis came from humble beginnings but never let that deter him. During his 57-year career, he represented and advocated for people from all walks of life, no problem too big or too small. He was a respected and groundbreaking trial lawyer, who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The family will honor his distinguished career with the establishment of a memorial scholarship in his name.