Karen A. Peterson

Karen Ann (Kozlowski) Peterson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away in the comfort of her home surrounded by the love of her family on the morning of August 21, 2026.

She was born on March 20, 1945, the first daughter of Martin and Delilles (Allie) Kozlowski. She grew up in Two Rivers and attended St. Lukes Catholic School before graduating from Washington High School with the class of 1963. While working at the A&W in Two Rivers, Karen met and fell in love with Robert “Bob” Peterson. The pair were married at St. Luke’s Catholic Church on June 22nd, 1963. They were blessed with 4 dear children and more than 63 years of marriage.

Early in her career, Karen worked for various companies and retailers in the Two Rivers area. She then got her certificate in childcare and childhood development and went to work at a local day care, where she was a nurturing comfort to the infants and babies. This was an outlet for Karen’s true nature and purpose in life: caring for others.

Karen was a mother to everyone. Her family recalls that she lifted everyone else while gracefully navigating her own life, and she had a gift for making everyone feel loved. She had a remarkable sense of humor and contagious laughter which often ended up in laughing fits for herself and everyone around her. Caring for others – particularly her children and grandchildren – made her world go around.

She enjoyed crafting, initially working with ceramics and the kiln in her basement, she was a skilled scrapbooker, and later enjoyed card-making and stamping. Karen and Bob would share frequent camping trips in their younger years and they were always adding to their collection at garage sales and flea markets. Karen brightened the lives of everyone she came across.

Karen is survived by her beloved husband: Bob Peterson of Two Rivers, her four children: Brenda (Dan) Dvorak of Francis Creek, Jill (Harley) Groelle of Two Rivers, Robert (Johanna) Peterson of Eau Claire, and Tracy Stargardt of Two Rivers. Her legacy is also carried on by her 10 grandchildren: Jenny (Chris) Danford, Jay Dvorak, Stephanie (Tim) Clark, Sarah (Tyler) Sommersberger, Sam Dvorak, Erica (Quinn) Bukouricz, Brianna (Kyle) Tesarik, Evan Peterson, Justin Wolf, and Dakota Stargardt, as well as her 9 great-grandchildren: Ava Danford, Lawson and Ellis Clark, Rhett and Renley Sommersberger, Ayla and Jonah Bukouricz, and Kennedy and Juniper Tesarik. She is lovingly remembered by her siblings: Paul (Luanne) Kozlowski, Jan Van Drisse, Judy (Lee) Stefaniak, Marty (Sandy) Kozlowski, Therese Dodge (Don), and Mary Jo (Ron) Strong, along with sister-in-law: Maryellen (Bob) Ellison, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Martin and Delilles Kozlowski, her mother- and father-in-law: Allan and Meg (Parrish) Peterson, brother: Dale (Kathy) Kozlowski, and brothers-in-law: Tom Dodge and Garry Peterson.

Please check back for the funeral service details. 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Deja & Martin Funeral Home of Two Rivers.