Karson C. Smith

Karson Caleb Smith, 25, of Hastings, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. Born on June 28, 1999, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to Todd Smith and Krissy Almquist, Karson was a loving father, son, brother, grandson, partner, uncle, and friend.

Growing up in Hastings, he developed an early love for hockey, beginning his skating journey at four years old. Beyond the ice, Karson was passionate about basketball, bike riding, video games, cars, and animals, with a special place in his heart for cats. His talent for sketching and drawing was among the many ways he expressed his creative side.

Karson was known for being a genuinely good person, caring and fun-loving. He lived life on his own terms, embodying the spirit of being unapologetically himself. Above all, he valued his role as a father. In the past 6 months, Karson was really looking forward to getting back to his roots at the family ranch, horseback riding with a black cowboy hat with a gold band and black outfit. Family was important to him, and he wanted to reconnect with everyone.

He is lovingly remembered by his parents, Todd (Lisa) Smith and Krissy Almquist; his sister, Kali (Shane) Anderson; nephews, Kyler and Hank Anderson; partner, Jada Hicks; his children, Jaydon and Kamilla Hicks-Smith; grandparents, Earle (Jeanne) Almquist, Jan (Floyd) Latuff, and Susan Carmody; aunts Kari Bartholomew, Korrin Tverberg, and Tari Stancer; uncle, Troy Smith; as well as Jada’s parents, Karen Bleyle and Wilbert Hicks; Jada’s siblings, Wil Hicks, Kyler Hicks, and Deja Bleyle; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Karson was preceded in death by his grandpa, Warren Smith, and Jada’s grandpa, James Bleyle.

A gathering in the memory of Karson will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Almquist Farms, 21321 Polk Ave, Hastings, MN 55033. The event will start with a gathering at noon, followed by a time of sharing at 1:30 PM. Fellowship will follow, with food being served at 4:00 PM.

Karson's favorite color was red, so in honor of him the family asks you to wear red or purple to support overdose awareness.

The family requests no gifts, flowers, etc. If you would like to contribute to the Karson C. Smith Memorial Account set up at Vermillion State Bank, in support of his two children, please click the following link.

https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3742522371212718628&created=1726006665

Arrangements are being handled by Starkson Family Life Celebration, 3075 Vermillion St, Hastings, MN 55033.