Karen I. Peterson

Karen I. Peterson (Markos), age 86 of La Crosse, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at The Oaks at Hillview surrounded by her family.

Karen was born on December 9, 1939 in La Crosse, WI to Nasser (Naz) and Marion (MIM) Markos.

Karen was a graduate of La Crosse Central High School, class of 1957. She also graduated from Winona School of Practical Nursing as an LPN in 1958 and was then employed by St. Francis Hospital.

On October 8, 1960 she married her high school sweetheart, Richard Peterson at Christ Episcopal Church in La Crosse.

Later in life, Karen was employed by the La Crosse Visiting Nurses Association and did private home care. She was also a La Crosse Meal Site Manager and a school bus driver for Ready Bus Company.

She was on the Altar Guild at Christ Episcopal Church and was an active member of the Eagles and the Red Hat Society.

Karen was an avid golfer and enjoyed dancing, bicycling, Volksmarches, fishing, playing piano, reading, cooking Syrian food, riding her moped with the dog on the back, sewing, sailing, and trips in the RV.

She was preceded in death by her parents Nasser and Marion Markos.

Karen is survived by her husband, Richard Peterson, her son Tom Peterson of Ontario, WI and her daughter Carolyn Peterson of Saint Paul, MN.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 AM with service beginning at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at Christ Episcopal Church, 111 9th St N, La Crosse, WI 54601.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and may be given to the La Crosse Humane Society or Christ Episcopal Church.