Karen Peters, 78

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Karen June Peters, age 78, of Blair, passed away Aug. 29, 2021, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Community in Blair. Visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 2, at First Lutheran Church in Blair, beginning at 6 p.m.. A celebration of life will be held at 7 p.m. Private graveside services will be held in Clarinda, Iowa.

Karen was born in Omaha on June 20, 1943, the daughter of Henry and Ella Wollenhaupt. She began her education at a country school and later graduated from Tri-Center High School in Neola, Iowa. She then attended beauty school and became a beautician. Karen and another classmate moved to Shenandoah, Iowa, where she met her husband, Simon Peters. The couple were united in marriage on Sept. 28, 1968.

The couple purchased Ro-Le Motel in Clarinda, Iowa, which they operated for 10 years. Karen owned a beauty shop at the motel and operated a taxi service in the Clarinda area. She offered help to elderly, especially widows, buying groceries, clothing and shoes for those in need. Karen became a professional clown named Toodie, entertaining at parties and parades. After selling the motel, Karen moved to Grand Island to be closer to relatives; 10 years later she returned to Clarinda and settled into a quiet life working for Lisles Corporation providing automotive products. Karen moved to Blair in 2009 to be near her family.

Karen is survived by her sister, Kathryn (Richard) Shaw; brother, Kurt (Kathleen) Wollenhaupt; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Simon “Si.”