History
Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel was built on the strong values that were put in place by two long standing Hastings Funeral Homes that came together to better serve the Hastings Community. Caturia - Smidt Funeral Home and Wise Family Funeral Home have brought together the strongest roots, professionalism and service that began decades ago.
The history of the Caturia Funeral Home was started in 1942 by Clinton H. Caturia. Clinton ran the funeral home until 1969 when his son Robert Caturia took over the daily operations of the business. Robert operated the funeral business until selling it in 1997 to long time employee Steven Smidt, who started working for Robert in 1981. Steve and Kim Smidt later sold the funeral home in 2016 to their well-respected employee, Jesse Starkson and his wife, Katie.
The History of the Wise Family Funeral and Cremation Service dates back to 1955 when Don Ellis and his wife Peach started Ellis Funeral Home. In 1984, Thomas Ellis bought the funeral home and carried out the operations of the business until 2001 when he sold to Michael Wise and his wife, Mary. Michael and Mary Wise owned and operated the business for 17 years.
Jesse and Katie Starkson and Michael and Mary Wise merged their businesses in August of 2018 to better serve the Hastings area. This history-changing opportunity brings longevity, continued dedication, and expanded professional funeral service to Hastings.
Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel is proud to continue the unmatched service and commitment that the Caturia, Smidt and Wise Families provided to the Hastings and surrounding communities, for years to come.