Obituary of Henry William Louis

Henry William “Hank” Louis, 79 of Iowa City died Saturday, February 12, 2011, at the Lantern Park Nursing & Rehab Center in Coralville. Services celebrating Hank’s life will be held on his birthday next week at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 23, 2011, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. A time of visitation will take place one hour prior to the services, 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 @ www.gayandciha.com. Hank wished to donate his body to the University of Iowa for research. Henry William (Hank) Louis was born February 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, US 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 US Army Reserve. As a reservist, he completed the US Army Career Course, the US Army Command and General Staff College, and the US 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 Sherry (of 34 years); four daughters and their families; Heidi Louis-Mottet of Sargans, Switzerland, Cathy Louis-Jarmul of Cary, NC, Tracy Duran of Yuma, AZ, Teresa Louis-Tomlinson of Conifer, CO; 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 that loved him. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Hank’s family and his services.