Karen Kristine Peterson

Karen Kristine Peterson 1926-2017 ************************************************************************ Karen passed away on October 29, 2017. She was 90 years old. Karen was born in Hayward, California to Nielsine Marie Christensen and Ole Alfred Thomsen. She was born on December 26, 1926, 2 weeks after her parents arrived from Denmark. Her parents had a strong bond to their heritage and their faith. They worked very hard, were very active in their church, and always cared deeply for their many friends and neighbors. Karen said they were always having people in for afternoon coffee! Karen carried these values throughout her entire life. Karen’s parents also provided and encouraged music to be part of her and her brother Niels’s lives. They studied violin and piano at the National Institute of Music and Arts. They had many opportunities to play music in churches and schools. Had many recitals and performances, including Treasure Island and the Hollywood Bowl! Karen continued her love of music which included violin, organ, piano, and guitar. Karen went on to Dana College in Blair, Nebraska, which was a Danish Lutheran School. She went for 2 years and majored in music. This is where she met her husband of 67 years. Karen married Pastor Hans Milton “Bud” Peterson on June 20, 1947. She joined him in West Branch, Iowa, at the Bethany Lutheran Church, where he had already been a Pastor for 2 years. They stayed in West Branch for 2 more years where their first child was born, a son name Lanny. Karen and Bud went on to have three more children. They also went on to live in many different places, always serving the church and their faith. Karen had many talents and special hobbies. She was a Seamstress and a Master Cro-Knitter (combination of knitting and crochet). She made blankets and scarfs for everyone in her entire family. She even made scarfs that sold at the “The Duck Store”. She also made items to donate to church and the mission. She spent the last 3 years of her life at Solvang Retirement Center. She was a strong, independent person, sharing her many gifts with everyone. She is survived by her children; sons Tim and Paul, and daughter, Cindy. She had 6 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Lanny (died at 54 from M.S.) and husband, Pastor H.M. “Bud” Peterson. Karen has touched hundreds of people throughout her life. She will be honored for who she was and greatly missed by those who loved her.Contributions can be made to Bethesda Lutheran Church, 4445 Royal Ave, Eugene, OR 97402.