Karen Elizabeth Sauter passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 22, 2024. Karen's life was filled with family, faith and friendships, and she leaves us with treasured memories and the inspiration to live our lives as she lived hers. Born on October 10, 1942 in Ironwood, Michigan, Karen was the daughter of Chester and Alice Peterson. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Nancy Peterson and Patricia Lundin, and brother-in-law Tom Lundin. Karen is survived by her childhood sweetheart and beloved husband of 60 years, Dick Sauter, her children Pam (Randal) Zoeller, Mark (Sara) Sauter, and Jen (Liam) Higgins, her grandchildren Ryan (Pratheeksha) and Allie Zoeller (fiancé Austin), Aidan and Rory Higgins, Ella and Joe Sauter, her sister Susan (Neil) Raisanen and many other dear relatives and friends. After graduating from Michigan State University, Karen was an elementary school teacher and supported her husband in obtaining his PhD, before returning to teaching later in life at Wayzata Community Church Nursery School. Family and friends meant everything to Karen. She loved spending time at the family cabin in Boulder Junction, WI and on Lido Beach in Sarasota, Florida. She enjoyed fly-in fishing trips to Canada, skiing in Colorado, her annual women's weekends, and playing bridge all with lifelong friends. Karen had a passion for and found comfort in music. Throughout her life, she enjoyed playing the piano, strumming the guitar, and singing in various choirs. True to her nature, she also enjoyed sharing her love of music with children, including being actively involved in Kinder Konzerts at Orchestra Hall. Karen had a giving spirit and was passionate about serving others. She enjoyed volunteering for Meals on Wheels, reading at Noble Elementary School, and was a member of the P.E.O Sisterhood. Karen was a faithful member of Valley Community Presbyterian Church, where she found joy and friendship with her church community. Karen will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and love for her family. We are all better for having known and loved her, and she will be deeply missed. A celebration of life is planned for Tuesday, July 23rd at 2:00 pm at Valley of Peace Lutheran Church, 4735 Basset Creek Drive in Golden Valley, with visitation one hour prior to the service. There will also be a short gathering with dessert and coffee at Valley Community Presbyterian Church following the service. Memorials may be directed to PRISM, Struthers Parkinson's Center, and Valley Community Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund.

Published on June 30, 2024