Craig Allen Smith, age 54 of Hudson, Wisconsin and formerly of Roberts, Wisconsin left his ill body behind and traveled to heaven on July 17, 2017. Craig attended St. Croix Central High School and graduated in 1981. Soon after, he met the love of his life Jennifer and started a beautiful family with her after purchasing their first home as a married couple. They were blessed with three wonderful children; Emily, Charlie, and Caroline. Craig provided an amazing life for his family while working hard as an Ironworker for the Local 512 Union. He also served his community while serving as a firefighter on the Hudson Fire Department for 25 years before he retired. Craig was honored for his commitment to the Hudson Fire Department by being named a Fire Fighter of the Year. Craig’s firefighter years had a strong impact on his family, and his son, Charlie, joined the department shortly before Craig’s retirement. Craig also served the Hudson community while he served on St. Croix EMS.

Craig loved spending time boating and fishing with his family at the cabin on Pipe Lake. He enjoyed watching most sports, and cheered for the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Wild. He was proud of the projects he helped construct as an Ironworker, including many bridges, the Mall of America, and to his delight, the Xcel Energy Center.

Craig was diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Dementia at the age of 49 and was moved to Red Cedar Canyon Assisted Living in Hudson soon after. As Craig’s dementia progressed, he was blessed with a wonderful grandson, Ethan, who brought so much joy to his life. Because great awareness could be raised from his Frontal Temporal Dementia, Craig and his daughter Emily, worked hard with the ADRC to raise awareness of the increased prevalence of young people suffering from Dementia with the goal of producing Dementia Friendly Communities. In April 2017 Craig was additional diagnosed with ALS. The ALS progressed quickly between April and July ultimately taking Craig’s life.

Craig’s family would like to thank the many individuals and organizations that helped them through Craig’s journey. A special thank you is extended to Nancy at the ADRC of Wisconsin, Bonnie with St. Croix County, the men and women of the Hudson Fire Department, and St. Croix EMS who offered friendship to Craig during his illness, Jennifer O’Neill, Bethel Lutheran Church in Hudson, WI, Skip James, the entire St. Croix Hospice Team including his primary nurse Terra and his aid Pam, and all those that cared for Craig at Red Cedar Canyon Assisted Living.

Craig leaves behind a long list of loved ones including loved one, Jennifer Smith; children, Emily (Jon) Milton, Charlie (Kate) Smith, and Caroline Smith; grandson, Ethan; and brother, Tim Smith. He was preceded in death by his mother, Diane Smith (Rosenthal); and his father, Craig N. Smith.

A funeral service for Craig will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 22 at the St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St., Hudson, WI. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, July 21 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, WI, and one hour prior to the funeral on Saturday at the church. In Lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.