Karen Lou (Peterson) Kaser

Karen L. Kaser, 80, residing in Carmel, IN, formerly of South Bend, passed away on Monday, November 28, 2022 in Carmel.

She was born January 22, 1942 in Indianapolis, IN, a daughter of the late Elmer & Lucille (Mitchell) Peterson, and later, a step daughter to Victor Peterson. She was raised in Indianapolis, a graduate of Howe High School and later graduated from Ball State Teacher’s College with a degree in education in 1962. In 1969, she received a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology and enjoyed a successful career in the South Bend School System.  On December 22, 1962, she married David L Kaser, her loving husband of nearly 60 years.  They lived in South Bend where she spent most of her adult life until moving to Crown Point in May of 2014 and Carmel in October 2019. 

Along with David, she is survived by her daughter, Deann Patena of Crown Point, IN; and her son, David (Cindy) Kaser of Carmel, step- brother, John V Peterson (Tampa Florida) and step-sister Susan Karen Peterson (Sacramento California). Also surviving are five grandchildren, Kevin McCammack, Erin McCammack, Megan (Sam) Dorsa, Allison Kaser, and Claire Patena.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Sue Zunker, and brother John Peterson, along with her son-in-law, Tim Patena.

Karen spent nearly 30 years as a Speech Pathologist for the South Bend Community School Corporation and loved working with children. 

A highlight of her career was in 1997 when Karen was recognized by her peers as Teacher of The Year by the SBCSC.

Karen’s favorite times were at Star Lake, MN where she spent nearly every summer of her life enjoying the beauty of the lake and sunsets on the Pontoon.  During their retirement years she and Dave traveled extensively throughout the US, including multiple trips to Hawaii and Alaska.  She also had trips to Ireland, Norway, Germany and her country of ancestry, Sweden. She and Dave spent their winter months on Anna Maria Island where they were blessed to have many friends and good times. Karen will be missed by all of us and especially at family gatherings where her enthusiasm for fun was always present and her sweet smile was a gift for all.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 1:00 p.m. with service immediately following at the Palmer Funeral Home, Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46614 on Saturday December 17th

Expressions of sympathy on behalf of Mrs. Kaser may be offered to Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.  Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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