Karen Peterson

KAREN PETERSON

Aurora

Karen D. Peterson, 69, of Aurora, died Friday afternoon, Aug. 22, 2014, at home, surrounded by her loved ones. Per Karen's request, her body has been donated to the University of Iowa Hospitals Deeded Body Program for medical research. Celebration of Life memorial services: 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at Pinicon Ridge Park, Central City. Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein is assisting the family.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitz funeralhome.com.

Karen Dee O'Deen was born April 14, 1945, in Buckhannon, W.Va., the daughter of Charles Michael and Mary Burle (Boyles) O'Deen. She graduated from Kirkwood Community College, with an associate degree. On Sept. 2, 1978, she was united in marriage to Dwight "Pete" Howard Peterson in Cedar Rapids. Karen was employed with Friend of the Court as a child support investigator for more than 20 years.

She enjoyed horses, cards and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Karen is survived by her three sons, Chad (Joan Nix) Peterson of Vinton, Stephan "Lloyd" (Dana) Peterson of Anamosa and Charles "Chuck" (Veronica) Peterson of Center Point; 15 grandchildren, Corey, Josi, Toni, Tiffany, Samantha, Morgan, Robert, Miranda, Charlie, Brandon, Tyler, Brady, Hailey, Addison and Jennifer; 15 great-grandchildren, Trendan, Matthew, Robert, Kamrin, Kaiden, Mcoy, Paiton, Lennox, Bowyn, Avery, Noah, Xander, Malachi, Mason and Chance; and two brothers, John (Kay) O'Deen of Cedar Rapids and Mike (Amy) O'Deen of Iowa City.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mary O'Deen; husband, Dwight "Pete" Peterson; and a brother, Stephan O'Deen.