Pederson, Karen M.'s Obituary
Karen Marie Pederson (née Hanson) was born prematurely at Tacoma General
Hospital on a warm, sunny day, June 26th, 1937 to parents Harvey and Myrle Hanson. She was the eldest of three daughters. Karen and her younger sisters Judy and Kathy were all lifelong friends.
She had many fond memories of her childhood, despite the events of World War II. She attended Mann Elementary, Stewart Junior High, and Lincoln High School. As a young woman, she enjoyed ice skating, spending time with her dear friend Barbara Hansen (née Mace), and being an active member of the St. Paul’s Methodist church. One of Karen’s proudest accomplishments was completing the Wonderland Trail hike with her youth group, at the time 100 miles long with up to 27,000 feet of elevation gain, and in borrowed boots!
In 1955, Karen graduated from Lincoln High School and in February of that year, she met Larry Pederson, the man that she would end up happily married to for over 60 years. They were smitten with each other and married in January of 1957. Soon after, Karen and Larry welcomed their first child, Steven, who was born in November of that year.
Karen had always wanted to become a mother, and her daughters Diane, Sandy, and Vicki soon followed. When the children were young, Karen stayed home and was a full-time mother to her four children and the first of many beloved family dogs.
On top of raising her children and their small zoo, Karen had a rich social life and was cherished by many friends. Her sisters Judy and Kathy were some of her closest
companions and shared in all of her joys and challenges. She would go bowling one night a week with one of her dearest friends, Ginny Thompson, and later in life would catch up over many lunches with Joan Honey. Her love for Larry persevered through the ups and downs of the family business, and the challenges of raising four children.
For over twenty years, Karen and Larry would take an annual old car trip with their friends Ginny and Ken Thompson, and Loyd and Darlene Smith. They loved traveling to new places with old friends and old cars, which made the simple act of driving an adventure.
Karen took the responsibility to care for Larry in sickness and in health very seriously. After his passing, she found comfort in the company of her sisters, her children, and her beloved dachshund Lucy.
Karen passed away March 24th, 2026. Her loved ones remember her as a fun-loving, hardworking friend and mother. She leaves behind her sister, Kathy Ingalls, children Steven (Denise) Pederson, Diane (Les) Uhrich, Sandy (Mike) LaCasse, Vicki Pederson, as well as seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is deeply missed.
What’s your fondest memory of Karen?
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