Susan Kartes

Susi Kartes, 65, Hillsboro, ND passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Sanford Hospital, Fargo surrounded by family.

Susan Lynn Kartes (Armstrong) was born October 24, 1960 to Donald and the late Shirley Armstrong in Fargo, ND. She was the oldest of three siblings and grew up on the farm near Amenia, ND. Susi attended Dakota Schools in Arthur, ND graduating in 1978.

Upon graduation she had the opportunity to tour Europe with the United States Collegiate Wind Band where she played the tenor saxophone. Susi worked for various transportation logistics companies in the Fargo area. It was there where she met her former husband, and celebrated the birth of her son, Jordan.

They later moved to Hillsboro after the purchase of the Sports Bar. She met her now husband, Frank Kartes, in 1998 on the dance floor. She spent a few years working various jobs in the Hillsboro area before she and Frank entered the food and entertainment industry. They purchased Granny’s Bar, the Paddlewheel, the Hill House, and the Other Place as restaurant, bar, and catering options for the Hillsboro community. Together they served many patrons and numerous weddings and other events.

Susi and Frank later exited the food and entertainment industry, and she began her final career at Sanford Medical Center. Susi and her activities team cared deeply for the residents and co-workers at Sanford Medical Center long-term care. She and her husband also farmed near Grandin, ND.
Some of Susi’s passions were her cars, snowmobiling with Frank and Jordan, playing softball with her girlfriends, and riding on the motorcycle with her husband. She enjoyed having a drink with friends and family and playing pull-tabs and slots. She also enjoyed going camping, fishing, and ending her nights with a bonfire alongside friends and family.

The most important part of Susi’s life was her family, especially her three grandsons, Elias, Isaiah, and Jonah. You could always find her visiting, watching, playing, gardening, or cooking with her grandsons and family. She loved to host family and friends at her home for holidays where food never ran out. She cherished the summer gatherings at “the North Four”, a home her and her husband renovated. These summer gatherings included her father, Don, and her two siblings Jim and Sharon as well as their families.

Susi was surprised by her husband for her recent birthday with a trip to Hawaii that had always been on her bucket list.

She is survived in death by her husband Frank Kartes; son Jordan (Kaci) Hjelle and grandsons Elias (8), Isaiah (6), and Jonah (4) of Hillsboro; father Don (Patti) Armstrong of Hillsboro; brother Jim (Lisa) Armstrong and their children Ian (Whitney) Armstrong, and their son Huxley, and Sara (Austin) Rusch all of Wisconsin; sister Sharon Armstrong and her son Craig Armstrong and his children Colton, Kalli, and Corrina of Hunter, ND; and her faithful dog, Telley.

She is preceded in death by her mother Shirley Armstrong.

Visitation will begin at 9:30am with the Funeral Mass at 11am on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Hillsboro, ND. Burial will follow at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery.