Irene Peterson

Irene D. Peterson, 97, of Rockford passed away Sunday, July 14, 2019, in River Bluff Nursing Home. Born April 14, 1922, in Vandalia, the daughter of John H. and Jennie F. (Town) Darnell, Sr. She was baptized on June 1940 at First Baptist Church in Decatur. Graduated from Decatur High School, Class of 1941. Moved to Rockford in 1941. Employed by Rockford Screw Products from 1941 to 1945. While at Rockford Screw Products she met Alfred G. Peterson. They married on January 14, 1945. Employed as a secretary at East High School from 1966 to 1987. Member of North Love Baptist Church since 1986 and there, she enjoyed attending the Jolly Sixties. Irene loved children and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was a person who was always willing to help those in need and during her time at East High School she helped many students. Survivors include her children, Michael (Melissa) Peterson and Connie (Bob) Grod; grandchildren, Patrick (Lorie) Peterson, Matthew (Sandra) Peterson, Zachary Peterson, Jessica (Jeremy) Berg and Lucas (Emily) Grod; great-grandchildren, Danielle, Allison, Megan, Kathryn, Logan, Milo, Alexander and Layla; great-great-grandson, Calvin; siblings, Jim (Pat) Darnell and Jane Holm; sister-in-law, Red Darnell; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents; daughter, Linda Peterson; grandson, Daniel Peterson; brothers, Bob Darnell, John Henry “Hiney” Darnell and Charlie Darnell; and sisters, Rose Mace and Doris Wedig. The family wishes to thank Pat Darnell for her endless love and care of mom.

Service at 1 p.m. Monday, July 22, 2019, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park, with visitation from noon to service time. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens.