Irene Marie Peterson

Irene Marie Peterson, 78, of Decatur, passed away peacefully with her family and beloved fur babies
by her side on Sunday, June 7, 2026.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11 am with a one hour visitation prior.
Memorials in Irene’s honor may be made to the Humane Society of Decatur and Macon County,
3373 N. Woodford St., Decatur, IL 62526. The family asks that you bring a photo of any animal that
you rescued to the memorial service.

Irene was born on October 27, 1947 in Hannibal, MO, the daughter of Donald Earl and Nettie Irene
(Dillman) Weiss, Sr. She married Derald Dean Peterson on March 10, 1968 and he preceded her in
death on August 13, 2013.

She worked as a secretary at Norfolk Southern, as a real estate broker, eventually founding Peterson
Realty with her husband, as a secretary at Decatur Civic Center, Mutual Home and Savings, and
Eisenhower High School and finally, as President of the Humane Society of Decatur and Macon
County which is where she found her true passion. When she first joined the HSDMC, the shelter
operated from a small building on N. Edward St. Through her dedication and leadership, she helped
secure a rental facility at Northgate Pet Plaza for many years and finally helped successfully obtain
the current permanent location of the shelter on N. Woodford St. In her final months she was able to
facilitate the overhaul of an eye clinic that shared the parking lot with the shelter into a spay neuter
clinic for low income families as well as trap and release animals to help with pet overpopulation and
improve animal welfare. Her heart for animals was extraordinary, and her kindness will leave a
lasting impact and legacy within the Humane Society organization and throughout the community.

Irene is survived by her daughter Lori Wilson (Shawn) of Findlay; her brother William “Bill” Weiss
(Cindy) of Decatur; her sister Maureen Key (Bob) of Decatur; her grandson Jeremy Key of Iowa; and
her beloved granddaughter Amanda Logue (Nick) of Pana, IL.

She is preceded by her parents, her husband, and her brother Donald Weiss, Jr.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes at
www.brintlingerandearl.com.