Katherine Marie Petersen

Katherine Marie Petersen, February 10, 1979 – January 12, 2020

Katherine (Katie) Marie Petersen, 40, grew up in Des Moines before moving to Dallas, where she graduated from Newman Smith High School. She was a lover of all animals, babies and people in uniforms. She spent much of her time watching PBS Kids, visiting zoos and completing math workbooks.

Many words could be used to describe Katherine. Some that come to mind are kind, self-less, intelligent, and special. If you google “Trisomy 20” beyond the standard medical explanations of what occurred to create her, the most often read descriptor is “rare” does seem a fitting portrayal. Katie never met a stranger she wasn’t willing to talk to and for most, her first question was, “do you have a cat?” An intense animal lover, Katie enjoyed spending time with shelter animals and in her earlier days, cuddling with her pet cats and dogs. She loved riding horses, working on her math “work,” as well as playing t-ball and bowling with the Special Olympics. She especially enjoyed visiting with local police and firefighters whenever she got the chance. When talking to friends and family Katie’s most prominent concern after discussing the family pets, was how everyone was doing. Always engaging in conversations around how old the kids are (her reciting their birthdays and many times the day of the week they will fall on this year), what they are doing in school, and if they ride the school bus. Even on her hardest days her first thoughts were always for others.

Katherine is survived by her mother Nancy Reis, father Merle Petersen, stepmother Karen Petersen, sisters Emily Abbas (Cory) and Mandy Herring (Mike), and the following nieces and nephews – Rowen and Crey Abbas, Baylyn, Marlee, and Greta Herring. She was also loved by numerous aunts, uncles and other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Ted Reis.

As a family we thank all of her caregivers; especially her friends and the loving staff at Mosaic of Central Iowa and Unity Point Health Hospice Services.

In this time of sadness, we ask that you honor sweet Katie’s life by basking in happy memories, loving her always, and remembering that “rare” comes in many amazing forms. It is on us to recognize and cherish those that are unique as they add to our lives far more than we could ever give to theirs.

A celebration of life will be held at a time and place to be determined. Memorial contributions can be made to Mosaic of Central Iowa or the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

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