Christopher D. Smith, age 58, lifelong Hudson, WI resident, passed away on March 19, 2017 at his home in Hudson, surrounded by his loving family, after a battle with cancer.

Chris was born on June 25, 1958 in St. Paul, MN to David and Mary (Parslow) Smith. He grew up in Hudson, attending St. Patrick’s Catholic School, and practically grew up on the water of the St. Croix River. As a young boy, Chris had an incredible intelligence. He was known to read the encyclopedias cover to cover, and come to school the next day astounding his teachers with what he knew. Even though he was a smart child, when he played, he played hard. He loved getting down in the dirt playing and fixing things, and was a pretty mischievous character. In 1976, he graduated from Hudson High School.

On July 7, 2007, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary J. Adickes in Lake Tahoe, CA. His adventurous spirit took them zip-lining and boating, despite Mary’s fear of heights and the water. They enjoyed the outdoors together and loved cars, the classics and the “fast ones.” In 2011, he began a career with Koch Companies as a Maintenance Shop Supervisor, a career and company that he absolutely loved. His work ethic was indescribable, and even if he wasn’t working, he had work on his mind, constantly thinking about parts and deliveries up until his last days.

He was an avid Green Bay Packer and Nascar fan, loved hunting, and was a history buff through and through. Above everything though, he was a family man. He was a hopeless romantic with Mary, and loved spoiling her and giving her funny anniversary gifts. He cherished time spent with his grandkids, who always put a big smile on his face.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Megan (Matt) Blanton of New Richmond, WI; step-daughter, Laura (Jason) Schroeder of Norwood, MN, step-sons, Kevin Laxen of Eden Prairie, MN, and Travis (Tammy) Laxen of New Richmond, WI; mother, Mary E. Smith; sisters: Teresa (Jeff) Anderson of Hudson, WI, Stephanie (Marc) McSorley of Hudson, WI, and Beth (Ron) Houman of Hudson, WI; brothers: Greg Smith of Hudson, WI, Brian (Kim) Smith of Blaine, MN, and Ben (Dana) Smith of Portland, OR; grandchildren, Kinsley and Colton Blanton of New Richmond, WI; step-grandson, Hunter Schroeder of Norwood, MN; brothers and sisters-in-law: Bonnie (Gary) Foede, Pat (Randy) Roehl, Joan (Dick) German, and Dennis (Nancy) Adickes; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, David Smith.

A visitation will be held from 5-8PM on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St., Hudson, with a visitation held one hour prior to the Mass at church.