Karen M. Pietro, age 84, lifelong Ishpeming area resident, passed away on Saturday April 1, 2023 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility while in the loving care of her family, Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice, and nursing home staff.

Karen was born in Ishpeming on February 14, 1939, daughter of the late Carl and Ida (Larson) Forsberg.  She grew up in the Ishpeming area and graduated from Ishpeming High School class of 1957. She later attended the airline school in Milwaukee, WI where she received her Associate's degree.  Karen's primary job was raising her children and taking care of the family.  Karen also worked at the Prange's store in Marquette and later at Younkers as a clerk for many years. She thoroughly enjoyed being around the latest in fashion!

Karen met the love her life, Steve Pietro, while in high school.  Karen married Steve on Dec. 27, 1958 when Steve came home on leave from the US Navy.  They remained married for 61 years until Steve passed away, Oct 22, 2020.

Later in life Karen and her husband Steve gave up their home in the 8 ^th edition for life on the Dead River.  Although she did miss the social clubs and close friends she had while living in 'Town'.  During the winter months they would become snowbirds and travel to Destin, FL for some much deserved warmth in the sun.  She loved the time she had with her friends while staying in Florida.  Special shoutout to fellow snowbirds: Paul and Faye, Tim and Cathy, and Mike and Sharon.  She loved you guys!

Karen enjoyed shopping! She absolutely loved going to flea markets, garage sales, yard sales and thrift stores and could she bargain!  She knew what things were worth and she could barter with the best of them.  If you went with Karen shopping, you were in for a long day!  Karen was a true blue 'Hematite Fan'. She loved listening to the Hematite's playing basketball and football on the radio.  She also loved listening to Elmer Aho on WJPD Saturday night.  A few adult beverages may have been consumed.

Karen is survived by 2 daughters- Pamela (Steven) Dodge, Kristine (Bill) Arseneau;  8 grandchildren - Karl Hendrix, Dylan Hendrix, Johannah Pennala, Alex Arseneau, Noah Arseneau, Dallas Kecker, Lyric Kecker, Jacob Dodge,  5 great grandchildren - Desmond Hendrix, Eve Pennala, Arlo Pennala, Alayna Kecker, Peyton Kecker.  Cousins and friends - Pauly and Bill Larson, brother-in-law David Pietro, along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was tragically preceded in death by her daughter Stephanie in 2011. She also lost her parents, husband Steven Pietro, and 2 brothers - Burton (June) Forsberg and Keith (Barbra) Forsberg and one sister Edna Roose.

A celebration of Karen's life will be held at a later date when there is no snow!! She never did care for the snow!  Karen will always be remembered for being feisty, spunky and the life of the party.

Karen's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.