Karen Elaine Peterson, age 74 of Tracy, passed away on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 2020 at the McLaughlin Hospice House in Marshall. Memorial services will be held at 10AM Wednesday, December 30 at Tracy Lutheran Church. The service will be livestreamed on the Stephens Funeral Service Facebook page. Visitation will be 5-7PM Tuesday, December 29 at the Tracy Area Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6:30PM. Visitation will continue 1 hour prior to the service at the Church on Wednesday. Interment will be in the Bethel Cemetery. Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, GUESTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK and practice social distancing guidelines. A 50% indoor occupancy restriction will be maintained. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Karen Elaine Peterson was born March 11^th, 1946 in Tracy, Minnesota to Gilbert and Elvera (Holm/Koch) Hill. She was united in marriage to Arthur Peterson in 1963. Together they made their home in Tracy, Minnesota in 1970 where they raised their children, Jon, Brenda, and Patrick. Karen was a woman of great talent and known by many for her love of quilting, knitting, gardening, and bridge playing. She was an incredible baker and her family shares very fond memories of their favorite treats and goodies she made over the years. Karen was active in her faith community and spent much of her time volunteering at Tracy Lutheran Church by helping with the Mother’s Day Banquet, Christmas Cup of Tea, funeral committee, and serving communion. Karen also enjoyed sharing her passion for antiques and history at the Wheels Across the Prairie Museum. Karen’s family would like to thank Prairie Home Hospice and the McLaughlin Hospice House for their kind and loving staff. The family appreciates everyone who has cared for mom during her battle with cancer. Christmas will now be extra special for all those who loved Karen so dearly, as she was able to be at eternal peace and met Jesus on the day she loved the most.

Karen is survived by her husband Arthur Peterson; children Jon Peterson of Tracy, Brenda (Mark) Deutz of Marshall, and Patrick (Rogann) Peterson of Tracy; grandchildren Parker (Kelsey) Deutz, Kayla (Aaron) Antony, and Jacob Peterson; great granddaughter Mylen Antony; and her beloved sisters Mary Julien, Jan (Mike) Roeder, and Laurie (Edward) Olsem. She was preceded in death by her father Gilbert and her mother Elvera. 

Karen was a light in this world and will be remembered for her kind heart and zest for life. She will be deeply missed.