Elizabeth " Liz" Ann Petrakis

Elizabeth “Liz” Ann (Deissler) Petrakis, 80, of Peoria, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025. She was born on January 17, 1945, in Peoria, to Emil and Ella (Woertz) Deissler. She married John Lee Petrakis on June 15, 1963. They are high school sweethearts, married for 62 years. He survives.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Kristen Petrakis of Edmonds, Washington; her son, John (Gretchen) Petrakis of Peoria; and her daughter, Melissa (James) Markley of Chillicothe; and her grandchildren, Robert Petrakis, Grace (Eric) Christopherson, Michael (Madison) Petrakis, Faith Markley, William Petrakis, and Luke Markley. Also surviving are two brothers, Chris (Jewel) Deissler of Metamora and Emil (Jan) Deissler of Peoria and many nieces and nephews, as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Liz graduated from Peoria High School in 1963. She worked at Montgomery Ward, in downtown Peoria, and Lou’s Drive-in while she was in high school. She continued working at Montgomery Ward when the store relocated to Northwoods Mall. Liz worked for numerous State Farm agencies for 40 years.

Liz would tell you her greatest dream in life was to have a family. She lived out that dream and was a woman of many gifts. She was especially known for her ability to make the most delicious pies of all sorts of flavors. She also had the gift of hospitality that opened her home to countless people - longtime high school friends, work friends, card club friends, extended family and she always made everyone feel welcome. Liz was a devoted wife and mom who absolutely delighted in her grandkids. She was at every birthday, recital, ballgame and milestone she could possibly attend and enjoyed it all. Her love was generous and unwavering and the memories that were made will be felt for a lifetime.

Liz also found joy in getting lost in a good book, tending to her garden, working on projects at home and getting away to travel.

She was a member of Northwoods Community Church. Liz volunteered for many years in the nursery, on the funeral resource team, and the prayer team.

Her funeral service will be Friday, November 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Northwoods Community Church with Pastor Cal Rychener officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Swan Lake Cemetery. Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northwoods Community Church, Neighborhood House, or Midwest Food Bank.

Online condolences may be shared with Liz’s family at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com