It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Artie Hicks, beloved Dad, Pop Pop, Brother, Uncle, Teacher, and Friend.  

Born March 23, 1933, Artie lived a full and vibrant life until his passing on June 21, 2023, just a few months after his 90th birthday.  What a party that was!  Friends and relatives from all corners of the United States and across the globe helped to surprise him completely, both in person and via video - just in time to hold onto new memories with those closest to him!

Artie is survived by his daughter, Lara Lynne Hicks (son-in-law Dana Winternheimer, grandson Dalton Winternheimer), his granddaughter, Larsen Marie Winternheimer, his sisters, Kay June Clark and Thelma Eastvold, and many nieces and nephews.  His memory will be forever in their hearts, as well as those who had the privilege to know him.

Artie was a passionate English Professor his entire life.  Even those of us who weren't lucky enough to be his students know the difference between "lay" and "lie", thanks to him!  He was ahead of his time, teaching English and Humanities with Janice Joplin songs, the Sneetches, and gritty movies that spoke to his audience: revolutionary methods that simply made sense to him in the 70's, and are commonplace now.  He taught for 17 years at Huston-Tillotson College, where he was always chosen by students as a Faculty Representative for student organizations and fraternities.  (At a historically black college in the 70's, that meant they usually dubbed him Kojak, and he loved it!)  He moved to Saudi Arabia in the 80's, where he taught English as a second language at King Saud University and ARAMCO for many years before retiring back in Austin, Texas.  His students were his friends, then and now: our closest family friends, over half a century.

His retirement saw teaching of a different sort.  In 2009, Lara finally gave him that granddaughter he thought he'd never have.  He immediately picked up his life in Texas, and moved to New Jersey to be close to Larsen.  Pop Pop took his new job VERY seriously!  It was his Life's Mission to teach his granddaughter everything he knew before he died. He did an amazing job of that!  Larsen never had a babysitter a single day in her life, but EVERY day she had a teacher and a best friend, living in the same home with her for the last 12 years.  Pop Pop was her everything, and she his.  

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to "A Scholarship for Artie's Beloved Granddaughter."  Those interested can visit https://everloved.com/life-of… to make a contribution: a special way to honor Artie's legacy by helping to further educate the Light of his Life in his absence.  

A burial service to honor Artie's life will be held on July 9, 2023, at 12pm at Sterling Cemetery, where he will join his parents in rest. This will be followed by a celebration of his life at his favorite place to be in Winnebago. Family and friends whose lives Artie touched are warmly invited to share memories and celebrate a life well-lived at a good old fashioned Minnesota Fish Fry at the Barn.

Artie's spirit will live on through those who loved him, and he will be deeply missed.

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