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Irene Eleanor Avery

1931 - 2025

Irene Eleanor Avery obituary, 1931-2025, Grand Island, NE

BORN

1931

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Apfel Funeral Home - Grand Island

1123 West 2nd St.

Grand Island, Nebraska

Irene Avery Obituary

Irene Eleanor (Peterson) Avery

November 5, 1931 - October 13, 2025

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

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. 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 p.m. 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, Neb., 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, Neb. They lived in Grand Island where she was a homemaker. She also lived in Kokomo, Colo. 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, 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.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.apfelfuneralhome.com.
Published by The Grand Island Independent on Oct. 16, 2025.

Memorial Events
for Irene Avery

Oct

17

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Apfel Funeral Home - Grand Island

1123 West 2nd Street, Grand Island, NE 68801

Oct

18

Funeral service

10:00 a.m.

Apfel Funeral Home - Grand Island

1123 West 2nd Street, Grand Island, NE 68801

Funeral services provided by:

Apfel Funeral Home - Grand Island

1123 West 2nd St., Grand Island, NE 68801

Memories and Condolences
for Irene Avery

Sponsored by Apfel Funeral Home - Grand Island.

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2 Entries

Sandi Hill

October 17, 2025

When I worked at Riverside Lodge I got to know Irene. I found out she lived next door to my mom and dad when I was little. She was such a sweet lady. She will be missed.

Brad Lee Fried

October 14, 2025

Sorry for your loss of Irene. She was a joy to visit with. Will miss her.

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