Kari S. McCluer

Kari S. McCluer, age 94, passed away peacefully on April 10th, 2025. She was born in Oslo, Norway on April 8th, 1931. Her lifelong career in Physical Therapy started in Oslo, Norway where she received her education in the early 1950's. Always one to study and further her education, she came to the United States to learn more at the Polio Clinic in Warm Springs, GA. Throughout her career she held several key positions: Director of Physical Therapy at St. Mary's Medical Center in Knoxville, TN; Physical Therapy Consultant, Knox Count Health Department, TN; and finally retiring from Shannondale Health Care Center in Knoxville, TN as Director of Physical Therapy in the late 1990's. She was a member of Sons of Norway and was a founding member of the Vikings of the Smokies. She also had multiple articles published in medical journals throughout her career. Kari was a world traveler and made many trips to her home country of Norway. She was an avid reader, donated her time by volunteering and she enjoyed spending time and playing games with her family, especially her four grandchildren whom she was known as Bestemama. She was not one to judge, always had a kind word and was a cherished friend to so many, including lifelong friends. Her spirit and strength were evident to everyone she encountered. She touched the hearts of so many throughout her life. Kari is preceded in death by her brother, Bjorn Sundby (Doris); Half-brother, Thore Sundby (Marit); sister, Grete Sundby; daughter, Ellen Pearson; son, Paul McCluer; and partner, Kenneth Cole. She is survived by her daughter, Betty Gifford (Kevin); son-in-law, Thomas Pearson; grandchildren, Nicholas Gifford, Anders Pearson, Ash Gifford and Erika Gifford; and many nieces and nephews in the United States and Norway. The family would like to give special thanks to family members and close family friends, the pastor, staff, parishioners of Messiah Lutheran Church, and neighbors who were always there and opened their hearts to just sit, listen and help when needed. There will always be a place in our hearts for all of you! A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, at 11:00am at Messiah Lutheran Church located at 6900 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The American Macular Degeneration Foundation, (ADFAC) Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties and/or Knoxville Habitat for Humanities.