Karen Elizabeth Bright

Karen Elizabeth Bright was born February 27, 1948 in Willmar, MN to Peter and Phyllis (Grasser) Petersen. She was raised on a farm in Bird Island. Growing up Karen enjoyed school with her friends and was in the school marching band. Karen graduated from Bird Island High School and then completed business school in Minneapolis. Karen was blessed with three children: Lisa, Lori, and Steven. She raised her family in Maple Plain, MN. She worked for the Orono Community Education Office for many years then at General Mills for over a decade before retiring. After being together more than fifteen years Karen and Norbert Bright finally made it official on December 16, 2000, by marrying each other in a private ceremony at their Sun City residence. They were snowbirds for over 20 years before making Arizona their permanent home. Norbert passed away in June 2014 and Karen then moved to the neighboring city of Surprise. Just over three years ago, due to the advancement of her dementia, she moved to a nursing facility to better care for her additional needs. Karen enjoyed all sorts of card games and word games such as cribbage, bridge, and gin. Karen was a daily crossword puzzler, loved playing Scrabble with her mother Phyllis, husband Norb and son Steve. She was a member of the local ladies’ bridge club for many years and had numerous lifelong friendships she cherished. Also, Karen enjoyed bowling with Norb in their company's bowling league. Karen appreciated nature, photography, gardening, and watching the birds, especially hummingbirds and loons. She loved to read the daily newspaper, magazines and books and was a cleaning fanatic. They enjoyed traveling, attending musical concerts, many Twins baseball games, attended their World Series both in1987 and 1991 which they won! Her and Norb liked horse races, and casinos/gambling, just like her dad (Poker Pete). Karen passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, June 28th ending her lengthy battle with dementia. Finally, she is no longer suffering due to the limitations of her earthly body and is reunited in heaven with her loved ones including her husband, parents, brother, and grandparents.

Karen is survived by her children: Lisa (Andy) Barth, Lori (Tony) Lang and Steven Theis; grandchildren: Ben (Mariah) Barth, Peter (Tiffany) Barth, Leah Lang, Joe Lang, Ann Lang; great-grandchild: Theo Barth; and sister Penny (Dennis) Macik. Karen was preceded in death by her husband Norbert Bright, parents, Peter and Phyllis Petersen and brother, Herman Petersen.

We are having a small private ceremony and are unable to accept flowers at the location. In lieu of flowers if you would like to honor Karen's memory with a gift, please donate in Karen's honor to the St. Jude Children's Hospital or the ASPCA both of which she faithfully supported for many years thanks to her gentle soul and caring heart.

Karen will be placed in eternal rest with her husband Norbert Edward Bright at Sunland Memorial Park, Sun City, AZ.

Please share any photos, memories, or stories you might have. We will appreciate receiving and incorporating them into a memorial.

~ Blessed Be Her Memory ~