In Loving Memory of Jack Jerome Artamenko

Jack Jerome Artamenko, 82 years old, of Colorado Springs, CO, peacefully passed away Saturday, February 9^th, 2019 at his home surrounded by family.   Jack is survived by his wife, Dixie (White) Artamenko; and his children, Kimberly (Bill) Vezzoso of Cedaredge CO, Jay (Sharon) Artamenko of Basalt CO, and Dan (Nicole) Artamenko of Williston ND; grandsons, Jayson Vezzoso and Bill Vezzoso; sister, Gail Sjurseth (Jack); and numerous nephews and nieces.   He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert, William and Sam; sisters, Joyce, Pat, Nancy, and Doris.  Jack was born on March 4^th, 1936 in Fargo, ND to Michael and Meta (Lemke) Artamenko. He grew up and attended school in Fargo before he left to join the Army, which he served in two years.  After the Army he worked for Evans Army Hospital at Fort Carson, CO for 32 years, until his retirement in 1998. He lived in Peyton, CO for 20 years until just recently returning to Colorado Springs.  Jack was known for his love of sports, hunting and fishing.  He will be remembered as a very loving and caring family member and friend.

Jack was an avid bowler, bowling in leagues and tournaments most of his life.  He enjoyed the national tournaments in Reno with his children, Kim and Jay, bowling as a team and other tournaments with the family’s best friend, Jennifer Greiner and cousin, Larry Sorgen.  He was especially proud of the local tournament with his son, DJ when they won a college scholarship bowling together.  He further cherished the fact that they beat the current first place team which was DJ and his mom.

Jack would go fishing and hunting every year with his son, Jay and always looking forward to their yearly trip to Blue Mesa and his catfishing trips to Lake McConaughy in Nebraska.  All his family cherishes the memories of numerous camping, fishing, and hunting trips.  He displayed on his wall his biggest trout from Eleven Mile and his deer head from his childhood along with pictures and mementos of his prized Labradors, especially his constant companion, Cheyenne.  He loved his Broncos, Nuggets, and Rockies, seldom missing a game. He further enjoyed all the sports of his son, DJ’s school life and continued to be proud of him for his career in sports management. 

Jack loved gardening and continued to have a beautiful garden throughout his lifetime.   He always added a special touch to his yards building pools, waterfalls, and creating picturesque landscapes adding all his favorite plants and trees.   He also loved playing games and cards with friends which became a tradition with many for “Hand & Foot” and Poker parties.

Jack had a passion for cooking and loved to fix up big meals for his family and friends.  He designated his spot in the house with his sign “Jack’s Kitchen”.  He was especially known for his green chili. His son’s friends will always remember the meals he would cook up for them when they came to visit and he always had honey buns for them to enjoy.  He enjoyed having big parties for friends and family, especially for New Year’s Eve and Super Bowl parties where the orange and blue was proudly displayed throughout the house.

The family asks everyone to celebrate his life now and then the family will do a memorial service this summer in his beautiful yard.  Donations in his memory can be sent to Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation, 2550 Tenderfoot Hill Street, Colorado Springs, CO  80906 or online at http://www.pikespeakhospice.org/pikes-peak-hospice-foundation.