Louis, Henry Willian 'Hank'

Henry William “Hank” Louis, 79, of Iowa City, died Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011, at the Lantern Park Nursing & Rehab Center in Coralville. Services celebrating Hank's life will be held on his birthday, at 2 p.m. Feb. 23, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. A time of visitation will take place one hour before the service. Military honors will be provided at the conclusion of the services. A memorial fund has been established in Hank's memory.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web at www.gayandciha.com.

Hank wished to donate his body to the University of Iowa for research.

Henry William (Hank) Louis was born Feb. 23, 1931, in Iowa City, the son of M. Helen (Danner) Louis and Norwood Clark (Dutch) Louis. He attended University Elementary School, University High School and graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Physics. He was a distinguished military graduate and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, INF, U.S. Army, in June 1952. Hank immediately went on active duty. After completing Company Officers Course, he volunteered for flight training. In September 1953, after completing fixed wing flight training, he was assigned to 7th Army in Europe. Following his duty tour in Europe, he completed rotary wing (helicopter) training and returned to Iowa City and joined the U.S. Army Reserve. As a reservist, he completed the U.S. Army Career Course, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army Safety Officer School. After 39 years, he retired in 1991 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

His grandfather, Henry Louis, started a business in Iowa City in 1884. This business evolved into Henry Louis Inc. Following his active duty in the Army, Hank returned to Iowa City and joined the family business and eventually became president.

Hank is survived by his wife of 34 years, Sherry; four daughters and their families, Heidi Louis-Mottet of Sargans, Switzerland, Cathy Louis-Jarmul of Cary, N.C., Tracy Duran of Yuma, Ariz., and Teresa Louis-Tomlinson of Conifer, Colo.; sister-in-law, Betty Louis and her family of Iowa City; and his faithful Samoyed companion, Sasha.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bud; and nephew, Gary.

Hank was a dear husband, an Officer and a Gentleman. He will be missed and remembered by all who loved him.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Hank's family and his services.