Irene Eleanor Avery

Irene Eleanor (Peterson) Avery, 93, of Grand Island, NE died on Monday, October 13, 2025 at Tiffany Square.

A funeral service will be held at 10 AM Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island with Derek Apfel, CFC officiating. Burial will follow in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM Friday, October 17th at Apfel Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the family, Trinity United Methodist Church or the Humane Society.

Irene was born on November 5, 1931 in Grand Island, NE to Christian and Zelma Patience Mae (Nelson) Peterson. She grew up in Grand Island and received her education at Lincoln Elementary School, Walnut Junior High and Grand Island Senior High School.

Irene was united in marriage to Joseph Milton Avery on June 18, 1949 in Oshkosh, NE. They lived in Grand Island where she was a homemaker. She also lived in Kokomo, CO and was employed by Delicious Foods for 13 years and Leon Plastics. She also babysat for grandkids, nephews, nieces and neighbor kids.

Irene was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, bingo and loved sending cards to family and friends.

Irene is survived by her daughters, Karna (Leonard) Welch, Laura (Michael) Nelson, Vera (Ken) Henman, and Paula (Dean) Ewoldt; nine grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Rachel Peterson and Sandra Peterson.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Joseph Avery; son, Joseph Charles Allen Avery; nine brothers: Paul (Marie), Floyd (Elinor), Charles, Robert, Pearl (Faye), Cedric, Gaylord, Enos, and Howard (Frankie); and sister, Virginia (Joe) Ring.