On the afternoon of October 2, 2014, Karen Marie Peterson passed away peacefully. She was surrounded by her family as she took her last breath on this earth and her first breath in Heaven. She was 71 years old and had suffered an extended illness.
Karen was born to Fred and Virginia Rohde in Akron, Ohio, on April 16, 1943. Karen was raised in Chicago, Illinois, where she enjoyed frequent large family gatherings and playing with her cousins.
In 1963 she moved to California, where she met and married Rick Peterson. From this union her two daughters, Andrea and Elisa, were born. The family had many adventures moving from state to state along the Pacific west coast. In 1975 they moved to Helena, Montana, a place where they finally decided to settle down and call home. After moving to Helena, Karen worked for American Federal Savings Bank and then later for The Friendship Center.
Karen enjoyed cooking and baking. She could often be found looking through cookbooks and reading new recipes. She and her daughters had an annual tradition of Christmas tea parties where some of these recipes would be enjoyed.
Her greatest joy, however, came from spending time with her children and grandchildren. She took great pride in their accomplishments and was always there to encourage them. She will be dearly missed.
Karen is survived by her daughters Andrea (Randy) Lamping and Elisa Peterson; grandchildren Andrew, Alex and Jesse Lamping; sister Linda Stueven; dear friend Fee Lamping – all of Helena; and, many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service celebrating Karen’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 10th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the memorial service in the social center of the funeral home. Memorials in Karen’s name are suggested to the American Diabetes Association American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454 Alexandria, VA 22312 or Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000 Boom, NC 28607 or www.samaritanspurse.org. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Karen.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday October 10, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the memorial service
Friday October 10, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday October 10, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the memorial service
Friday October 10, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Butch and Pearle Plowman says
Elisa and family. Please accept our deepest sympathy at the loss of your mother. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rick Peterson says
Karen was a woman of many qualities with a humble heart. She had a heart for others and their welfare. The years that we spent together at the boys ranch, she loved the boys as only a mother could love, and they considered her as their own mother. She labored at the ranch as the cook and the boy’s counselor. The years I spent in college, Karen was my right arm and I could not have made it through without her help. Each day after work she spent hours typing my notes for the next day without a single complaint.
The quality of my daughters lives can be directly attributed to her investment in their lives and they are the ladies they are because of the time they spent with her. She will be greatly missed, but only for a short time, because we shall soon be together at the thrown of God and there remain forever more, PRAISE GOD!!
Penny Peterson says
Karen is a quality women full of grace. She has always been a joy to be around. I know her family and friends will miss her much. Her life brings glory to God as we have memories of a life well lived. She was a devoted mama and grandmother…
Martha (Marti) Pannek Kapla says
Karen and I met in college and became close friends. Together we left Chicago and headed West for adventure, school, and life experiences. Karen and I stood up for each other when we married our husbands, As years went by and our families grew we saw less of each other. I always knew she would be there if I had asked her. I will remember her wonderful laugh, bright eyes, her gentle ways and sense of humor. I will miss you dear friend.
Judith Wardlow says
I had not seen Karen for a number of years but I remember well her charm and distinctive laugh. We used to exchange Christmas cards and keep each other up to date with each others’ lives, but, regretfully, we lost touch some years ago.
My thoughts and prayers are with Andrea and Elisa at this most difficult time in their lives. Not too many years ago I buried both of my parents and, although you now know that loved one is with the Lord, we still grieve for ourselves because we miss most desperately the loved one who is no longer with us. In time, you will be happy for her; she is no longer in pain and rests in the loving arms of our savior.
My love to you both, Andrea and Elisa.
Aunt Judee
Karen McComack says
I first met Karen when my brother, Rick, brought her home for dinner at my mom and dad’s home in Fontana, Ca many years ago….she had the biggest and brightest blue eyes that really stood out on her pretty face…..also her laugh is one you never forgot when you heard it….
Karen and I lost touch with each other many years ago but Rick always kept me updated about her and my nieces, Elisa and Andrea and family…..I know this is a hard time for you girls, your families and friends as losing one’s parent(s), even though we know they are at home with the Lord, is painful…..I rejoice in knowing Karen is whole, healthy and not in pain anymore…..AND CAN’T YOU JUST HEAR HER OWN UNIQUE LAUGH RESOUNDING AS SHE IS SO FULL OF JOY UNSPEAKABLE!!!!
I love you Elisa and Andrea…..God Bless you and yours during this time…..
Aunt Karen
Leoncini Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Steve, Jennifer, Steven & Allison Leoncini
Matthew Dale says
Karen worked w/ me for several years @ the Friendship Center. She did an excellent job & was an outstanding employee. Karen helped the Center achieve the status it has in Helena now & was a member of the staff that helped many, many women successfully leave abusive, unsafe relationships. Karen left her mark on Helena & on the lives of everyone who passed through the doors of the Friendship Center during her years there.
Sherri McGuire says
I worked with Karen over the phone for many years before we actually met. Always cheerful and helpful, she was more of a delight in person. Little did I know that I would have the pleasure of knowing both of her daughters, and see first hand the gracious influences she had on both of them. I will always think of her most fondly in her grandma role in my backyard when the twins would come and visit their Aunt Elisa. I’m so sorry for her passing, but grateful her suffering has ended. She was so proud of all of you!
May her spirit soar in Heaven. All my love & prayers – Sherri