Karalyn "Kelly" Smith

Karalyn “Kelly” Louise Smith passed away Monday, March 3, 2025. She was born in Red Wing to Leo and Lillian (Nelson) Jensen on June 16, 1943. Karalyn was a life-long resident of Red Wing. She attended Red Wing schools where she met Jerrol “Popper” Smith. They were married in June 1961 and began a new life together as husband and wife, later welcoming their daughter, Debbie in May of 1962 and their son, Tracy in November of 1963. Karalyn started working at Red Wing Shoe Company in 1965 and continued to work there until her retirement 42 years later in 2007. Karalyn’s unwavering love and support of her children and grandchildren kept her going after “Popper” passed away in 1989. Karalyn lived her last few years at Potter Ridge Assisted Living, making new friends and enjoying a good game of “Hand and Foot”. Karalyn also loved going out for a good fish fry on a Friday night, a productive day of shopping or relaxing with a good book. Crime dramas and true crime shows were also at the top of her list. She was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church.

Karalyn is survived by her children, Deb (Dave) Griffin and Tracy Smith; sister, Kandace (Larry) Hoksch; grandchildren, Dustin, Derek and Dean Griffin and Schae Nibbe-Gadient; great-grandchildren, Kylie Griffin, Ryker Fuller Griffin, Kaeden, Sawyer and Owen Griffin; brothers and sisters in-law, Curt (Nancy) Smith, Everett (Carolyn) Smith, Barb Gernentz, Kenny (Shelly) Smith, Bev McCormick, Dave Hinck, Lee (Sheryl) Smith, Janelle Forsberg and Joyce Smith and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, “Popper”; her parents and brothers and sisters in-law, Lyle Smith, Nyra Banitt, Tootsie Hinck, Ron Gernentz, Roger Smith, Burton Smith and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A special thanks to Potter Ridge Assisted Living and most recently the Mayo Hospice care team in her final days. Karalyn will be missed beyond measure by her family and friends.

Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Concordia Lutheran Church with Rev. Dale Kohrs officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Concordia Lutheran Church, Mayo Hospice or River Bluff Humane Society Arrangements handled by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.