Karen Jean Peterson — Canton

Karen Jean Peterson, 55, of Canton, passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer on Tuesday, April 12, at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wis.

Karen was born July 19, 1960, in La Crosse, to Clement and Judy (Bentzen) Steffes.

On July 17, 1982, she married James "Jimmy Joe" Peterson in Lanesboro. Karen loved life. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and involved them in her many adventures. In her free time, she enjoyed helping everyone out with a task or two. Her favorite past times involved the grandchildren, the sun, boating, mustang rides and the Harley.

Karen is lovingly remembered by her husband, James, children: Denise (Jacob) Drogemuller of Chatfield, Jamie (Shawn) Manley of Preston, and Christopher "CJ" Peterson of Lanesboro; Seven grandchildren; mother Judy of La Crescent; Siblings: Debra (Richard) Cupp of Charlotte, N.C., Gerald (Dawn) Steffes of La Crescent, and Steven Steffes of La Crescent.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, Clement.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday, April 16, 2016, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro with Pastor Paul Thompson officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 10 a.m. to noon prior to the service on Saturday.

A family committal service will take place at a later date.

Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a condolence with the family, please visit www.rileyfuneralhomes.com 507-867-4310