Hortense Louise (Horst) Artichoker, 96, went home to her Lord and Savior on August 09, 2024. She left peacefully at the home of her youngest son and his wife, Ben and Sandra Artichoker, in Avondale, CO. Hortense was a long-time resident of Rapid City, SD, but lived in Colorado for the last nine months. She was much loved and well-cared for there by both her sons (Gene) and their wives.

Hortense "Tense" was born October 17, 1927, in Mission, SD, to August and Bertha (Hartman) Horst. She attended Lutheran School in the lower grades and Todd County High School where she graduated. On August 4, 1947, Hortense married Benjamin Artichoker. They were married for 73 years and had three children, Gene (Sharon) Artichoker, Pueblo West, CO, Karen Artichoker, Rapid City, SD, and Benjamin (Sandra) Artichoker, Avondale, CO. In 1949, they moved to Igloo, SD, where Ben worked at the Black Hills Army Depot. When BHAD started closing in the mid-60's, they transferred to Pueblo Army Depot in Pueblo, Colorado. But they were South Dakotans and transferred to Ellsworth Air Force Base in the mid-70's. Upon retiring, Hortense and Ben spent 23 winters in Arizona at Lake Havasu enjoying the warm weather and fishing. Hortense won a prize for catching the biggest fish and her local reputation as a fisherwoman was established. Summers were spent in South Dakota fishing on the Missouri River dams and in the Black Hills.

Hortense was a skilled homemaker and her children loved her bread and cinnamon rolls. She also worked as a cook at Parkview Hospital in Pueblo, CO, and at Pueblo County High School, Pueblo, Colorado. She loved to garden, can vegetables, and was quite a collector, collecting stamps, coins, and rocks.

Hortense was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Artichoker, and her siblings. She was the last surviving sibling of her seven sisters and two brothers. She is survived by her three children, Gene, Karen, and Benjamin, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Hortense was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.

Services will be held August 22nd at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00, funeral service at 11:00 with luncheon following the service, and burial at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD, at 2:30 p.m. Hortense will rest there by her husband, Ben.  Here is the link for the livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@FriendsofStPauls