Flamm Funeral Home
Karen Marie Lewis Peterson, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed away on January 3rd, 2025, after a courageous battle with dementia, surrounded by her loving family at home.
Born on December 28, 1948, in American Fork, Utah, Karen was the beautiful daughter of Ross and Geniel Lewis. She was a delightful surprise to her parents, arriving shortly after her twin brother, Kerry, was born, a fact they discovered only weeks prior to the births. The family later welcomed another son, Greg. Karen's early years were filled with joyful family moments, particularly fun-filled picnics in American Fork Canyon and creating dolls from hollyhock flowers with her grandmother, Verna Robinson, which ignited her lifelong love for all things floral. She graduated from American Fork High School in 1967, where she was actively involved in the drama club, drill team, and choir.
After high school, Karen briefly attended Brigham Young University before deciding to pursue a career in cosmetology. She graduated from Continental Beauty College and began her professional journey at Belva's Salon.
A pivotal moment came when a friend encouraged Karen to attend a dance at BYU, where she met Dean Alvin Peterson from Rexburg, Idaho. Their connection was love at first sight for Dean, and they wed on December 19, 1969, in the Salt Lake City Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Following Dean's education, the couple settled in Plano, Idaho, where they enjoyed raising six children: Angela, Natalie, Tyler, Bryant, Jordan, and Matthew.
As a devoted homemaker, Karen poured her love into sewing clothing and quilts, mastering various creative arts and crafts which became an enduring passion. She later used these skills to sew for a wedding supply store, and in working for craft stores and merchandisers. She went on to work with the health department, and dedicated herself to working with students with special needs in the Sugar-Salem School District.
Karen is survived by her devoted husband, Dean; her children Angela (Philip) Buchanan, Natalie (Lawrence) Sudweeks, Tyler (Ginny) Peterson, Bryant (Adrienne) Peterson, Jordan (Angie) Peterson, and Matthew (Fanny Pacheco) Peterson; her nineteen grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ross and Geniel; one grandson, Liam; and one great-granddaughter, Nora.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude for the tender and loving care provided by her son and daughter-in-law, Jordan and Angie, over the past two years, as well as Dr. Brad Erikson and the hospice care team from Brio.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Plano LDS Chapel, 5973 N. 5000 W. Rexburg, Idaho at 10:00 a.m. Friends are invited to visit with the family on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home at 61 N. 1st E. Rexburg, Idaho or on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at Plano LDS Meetinghouse, prior to the service. Interment will be at the Plano Cemetery.
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