Irene M. Zehr

Irene M. Zehr, 87, of Peoria passed away at 9:33pm on Friday January 11, 2013 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She was born on February 7, 1925 in Ottawa, IL the daughter of George and Lottie Nettie Dean. She married Leroy Zehr on June 14, 1955. He passed away on October 29, 1967. One son Larry also preceded her in death in 1965. Surviving are two daughters Susan (George) Chelikas of Morton and Marcia (David) Rigsby of Monmouth, three sons Dennis (Laurie) Zehr, Craig (Valeri) Zehr all of Peoria and Michael of East Moline. Also surviving are one grandson Andy (Stacy) Zehr of Pontiac, two granddaughters Heather (Victor) Zehr of West Peoria, IL and Becky (Jeff) Grady of Peoria as well as 7 great grandchildren. Irene worked for many years as a nurse at P.A.R.C. She worked with the Foster Grandparent program for the Community Action Agency and was involved with Friendship House. She will always be remembered for her generosity to her family and neighbors, her love for her dogs and her gentle spirit. Cremation rites have been accorded and the family will receive friends at the home of her son Dennis, 3502 N. Rockwood Road in Peoria on Wednesday January 16th from 4pm until 8pm. Memorials in her name may be given to the Peoria Animal Welfare Shelter.