JOLIET, Ill. (STMW) – Arthur Schultz, Joliet’s longest serving mayor who retired in May after five terms and 20 years in office, died Saturday night at the age of 78.

Schultz had been hospitalized since Nov. 14, suffering from congestive heart failure and had developed other complications. He spent the last week at the Joliet hospice home.

“He had a peaceful death,” said his daughter Nancy Schultz Voots, who is Will County Clerk. “The family was by his side.”

Voots said her father died at 6:20 p.m.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2010. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)