Karen Lee Torgerson, 82 of Lansing, IL, died Thursday January 11, 2024 at Munster Community Hospital.

She was born October 14, 1941 to George and Leila Torgerson in Duluth, MN, and she was baptized on Pearl Harbor Day. Her first marriage led her to Lansing, where she raised two children, went back to complete a master’s degree at Purdue Calumet, and met her soulmate and husband of 33 years George Thomas Grote.

Her personal journey helped foster her career in addiction treatment, and her entire life she continued to inspire others with her enthusiasm, wit and wry humor. She was always fond of saying, “If I can’t laugh at myself, there’s no point to life!”  She loved to write and had a talent for capturing ordinary moments with their joys and sorrows that always made you laugh. There was never enough black coffee, fun socks or ice cream.

Her grandchildren were her greatest joy, and her zest for life lives on through them: Brianna Jackson, Danielle Jarrard, Karlie Jackson and Colin Jackson.

Karen leaves behind her husband George and their cat Jennifer, their daughter Anne-Marie Jackson (Joanne Thompson)of Aptos, CA and their son James George Jackson(Lisa Jackson) of Lithia, FL. Her two sisters, Ann Kreager and Judy Anderson, reside in Duluth. She also leaves behind all those upon whom she made a lasting impression, countless friends and acquaintances, clients, Bunco club members, and extended family, all of whose lives were enriched and who were endlessly entertained by her.

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday February 3, 2024 from 1:00-4:00 pm at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN. A Memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm.

Those who wish to do something in her honor can do a crossword puzzle in pen, buy something sparkly, travel somewhere unique, talk to someone you don’t know, or simply smile and laugh as you remember her. Oh, and call your mother – or if your mom isn’t around any longer, call someone else you love.