Karen H. Saari, 79, of Tomahawk, passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2014, at her home under the care of her family and hospice.
Karen was born June 18, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, daughter of the late Leonard and Sophie (Olson) Peterson. She married Roy Saari on August 18, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois. He survives. Karen worked as a registered nurse and was the owner and administrator of three nursing homes in Upper Michigan. Karen and Roy spent their winters at their residence in Oro Valley, Arizona, and spent their summers on Clear Lake in the Tomahawk area. Karen attended nursing school at the former Augustana Hospital of Nursing in Chicago. She enjoyed her daily swims, golfing, knitting and sewing, traveling, and trips to the casinos.
Survivors include her husband, Roy Saari, of Oro Valley, Arizona and Tomahawk; two daughters, Debbie (Kevin) Wickstrom, of Tomahawk and Pam (James) Reed, of Jackson Hole, Wyoming; five grandchildren, Heidi (Chris) Brazee, Erick (Stephanie) Wickstrom, Timothy and Andrew Koski, and Jackson Reed; two step-grandchildren, Greg and Jonathan Reed; and one brother, Marshall Peterson, of Chicago, IL. Karen was preceded in death by her parents and a sister in law, Shirley Peterson.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, August 1, 2014, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. The Rev. R. Brian Stolarczyk will officiate. Entombment will follow at Merrill Memorial Park Mausoleum, Merrill. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Friday at the funeral home.
The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com