Karen R. Peterson

Karen Rhea Peterson, 88, of Ogden, Iowa, passed away surrounded by her loving family on July 8, 2026. She was born on October 10, 1937, in Boone, Iowa. She was the daughter of Alvin and Henrietta (Upton) Erickson.

Karen graduated with the Sacred Heart High School class of 1955.

On December 26, 1959, she was united in marriage to Julene Peterson at Zion Lutheran Church in Ogden. To this union, daughters, Lori and Lisa, were born.

Karen was a rural route carrier in Ogden for the United Postal Service. She enjoyed her 25 years of service, but most notably her customers.

Karen was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Ogden. She enjoyed volunteering in the gift shop at the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad. She thoroughly enjoyed supporting the grandkids and great-grandkids in all of their sports, music and the many other activities they were involved in. She enjoyed playing bridge, camping, going for long car rides, going out to eat with the girls, and going to the casino.

Survivors include daughters, Lori (Dennis) Good and Lisa Peterson; grandchildren, Trisha (Chip) Wisecup, Kelli (Tom) Burdette, and Joshua (Tabitha) Good; and great-grandchildren, Hunter & Addilynn Wisecup, Cohl, Brody, and Bentley Burdette, and Ryder, Arlowyn, and Hazen Good; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Julene, in 2011; parents; siblings, Martha (Dean) Kemmerer, Grace (Don) Wilhite, Garreth “Bud” (Deloris) Erickson, and Virginia (Bill) Davis.

The family would like to thank Dr. Merchant and staff at the Bliss Cancer Center for their outstanding care. Words cannot express our gratitude for the MGMC Hospice team, especially Ronda and Jody for their extraordinary care and compassion to Karen and comfort and support for the entire family. Karen also wanted to send a heartfelt thanks to her nephew, Dan, for his support and guidance while she and the family navigated these difficult times.

A celebration of life service for Karen will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Ogden, Iowa, with Pastor Stephen Ude officiating. Burial will follow the service at Glenwood Cemetery in Ogden. A visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church.