Karen R. Peterson

Karen Ruth Reeder Peterson (87) passed from this life on Saturday, May 22, 2021 in the Highland Glen Senior Living Center in Highland, Utah after a battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born October 30th, 1933 in Trenton, Utah to Robert Hancey Reeder and Norma Marie Reese.

Karen grew up in Benson and Trenton, Cache County Utah. She graduated from North Cache High School in 1951 and that fall took a job at Utah State Agricultural College (now known as Utah State University) as a secretary in the Botany Department. It was there she met her eternal companion Joseph L Peterson. They were married in the Logan Utah Temple on June 10th, 1953.  After graduation Karen and Joe (and their daughter Jolene) moved to Wisconsin to pursue a doctoral degree; then onto New Jersey where Joe took a Professorship at Rutgers University.   They stayed in New Jersey, adding their son Robert to their family, until retirement.  After retirement, Karen and Joe returned to Utah living in Orem for a time and then settling into their American Fork home.  In 2020, Karen and Joe began their residency at Highland Glen Senior Living Care in Highland, Utah. 

During their 32 years in New Jersey, Karen developed high proficiency and speed as a typist and stenographer. She often took in work typing college student thesis papers. After a number of years working part time for Rutgers Psychological Association and Boy Scouts of America, she was hired on to IBM where she became a highly sought-after secretary and business assistant for high level IBM managers. She retired from IBM.

Karen was always an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During high school she graduated from seminary, served in primary and became proficient in playing the piano and organ. Over the years she served as presidents and teachers in many Ward and Stake callings.  She supported her husband as he served as Bishop and Stake Presidency member.  After returning to Utah, Karen & Joe served as ordinance workers in the Provo and Mt. Timpanogos temples; served in the Provo Missionary Training Center Branch; and in 2006 were called as Church Service Missionaries at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City where they served for 3 years.  

Besides a lifetime of playing the piano and organ, Karen enjoyed bowling and playing games. She and Joe were always competing on bowling teams both in New Jersey and Utah.  Her children and grandchildren could never get away from a visit without playing a board or card game with her. 

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, her son Robert Reed Peterson, her brother Robert LaMar Reeder, and 2 infant brothers Norbert Reese Reeder and Martin William Reeder. She is survived by her husband Joseph L Peterson, daughter Jolene (George) Yaede, daughter in-law Alice Peterson, sister Elaine (Leon) Thompson, brother Brent (Lila) Reeder, sister in-law Rosann B. Reeder, 8 grandchildren: Jeff, Janae, John, Joe, Jason, Kelly, Whitney, Ryan and 12 great-grandchildren. 

On behalf of the Karen and Joseph Peterson family, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all friends and family who have shown much love and care over the years. Special thanks to the staff at Highland Glen Senior Living, the staff at Bristol Hospice Care and the members of the American Fork 19th Ward.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing and funeral service being held on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1305 North 100 East American Fork, Utah. A Viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 am with  services beginning at 11:30 am. Burial will follow at the American Fork Cemetery.