Peru presents plaque to David, the late Wayne Potthoff for 45 years of service

In recognition of a local family that has donated many years of service to Peru, the city presented a combined plaque to David P. Potthoff and his late father Wayne P. Potthoff.

The father-and-son tandem served on the Peru council for a combined 45 years. Wayne served from 1981-1998 and David served from 1991-2019.

The city thanked David for his devotion to the city of Peru serving as an alderman as well as his time with the Illinois Valley YMCA.

David was joined by many members of his family Monday to accept the plaque that will be displayed in City Hall, outside of the council chambers.

“On behalf of my family, I want to thank the City Council, the mayor and certainly the residents of Peru for this recognition,” David said. “I never expected to be honored with my father on a plaque. My dad, Wayne, died 23 years ago and he served the city for 17 years.”

David said his father had a different upbringing as his mother had died early and he was raised by a large family of cousins, uncles and aunts.

Wayne became a likable person who was good at communicating with people. He joined the Marines at 17 years old and served in the Korean War and received many awards including a Purple Heart.

Wayne later returned to Peru and worked at the post office and worked on many other community projects. He chaired the finance, electric and police and fire committees.

“He also claimed that he had over 100 relatives living in the Third Ward, so every election was certainly a slam dunk for him at that time,” David said.

The Potthoff name produced other well-respected individuals that dedicated large parts of their lives to the city of Peru and other surrounding communities.

After finishing his education and gaining job experience, David returned to Peru to help build the YMCA. He was then encouraged by his father and former Alderman Jim Currie to get involved in the community.

After being elected in 1991, David began focusing on the city’s financial standing and it’s commitment to economic development

“I believed in having a future direction for our city, a plan for it and I always thought of operating the city like a business; that was my focus,” David said.

David mentioned in his time with the city he never handed out any special favors or backed down from any special interest threats.

David said he never grasped the traditional concept of a politician but rather tried to make the decision best for the city and its residents.

“I always felt that integrity was more important than winning elections,” David said.

David thanked all who played a part in before, during and after his time with the city, such as fellow elected officials, Peru residents and also his friends and family.

David previously announced his plans to retire from his position with the Illinois Valley YMCA after nearly 40 years at the end of April.

After a career of serving Peru and the Illinois Valley in many ways, David looks forward to spending his days fishing and enjoying time with his family.