Karel Petersen

On January 14, 2014 at the age of 74 years, our little sweetheart, Karel LaRae Petersen, returned to her Father in Heaven, where she will find joy and happiness, having a healthy body, and the love and association of Mom and Dad and many others who have gone on before. Her Sister, Mary Jeannine and brother, Max Starr are among the many there to greet her.

Karel leaves behind her son, Jay and 4 grandchildren. (Kristen, Brendon, Jessica and Jayme). She also leaves behind her loving sisters; Sherrie (Glen) Appolonie, Donna (Jack) Fronk, along with brothers, Jesse F (Carol) Petersen Jr., and Reggie G. (Mary Ann) Petersen.

Karel was born August 15, 1939 – The 5th child of Anna Marie Perkins and Jesse F Petersen. She lived first in the little community of Penrose, UT on the family farm. At the age of 8, Karel’s family spent 2 years in Albion, ID on a beautiful ranch, where Karel enjoyed being a “cowboy” riding horses. Most of the remainder of her life, she lived in Springville, UT. Karel battled the challenges of Cerebral Palsy her entire life.

She attended Thatcher Elementary School and Bear River High School. She was employed by a Brigham City Nursing Home for some time.

In Karel’s last years she was cared for by the staff of the Art City Care Center of Springville, UT, who took care of her with dedication and love, for which as her family, we offer them our gratitude. They became second family to Karel and they loved each other deeply.

There was a family viewing and service held on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at Rudd Funeral Home, and she was laid to rest next to her mother in the Penrose Cemetery.

On Thursday, January 23rd, the Art City Care Center is holding a memorial service to honor and express the love they have for Karel.

We wish to express to Karel our gratitude for the lessons she has taught us during her life: strength, courage, and enduring gracefully to the end.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Sandy Astle.