Henry 'Hank' G. Ellert

Henry “Hank” G. Ellert beloved husband of Marian; father of Mark (Carolyn), Karen (Richard), Suzanne (John) and Kent (Sally); grandfather of five grandsons (John, William, Grant, William and Austin); and brother to Mary Schmetzer (Norman) and Bernard (Mary Sue) died peacefully in the care of Hospice in San Antonio, Texas at home surrounded by love ones on March 2, 2012. A fourth generation Louisvillian, Hank attended St. Peter’s Grade School, Flaget High School and later attended Bellarmine University, graduating with high honors in its first graduating class in 1954. A gifted writer, Hank organized and served as the founding editor of The Concord, the college’s newspaper. Deciding upon a career in chemistry, he earned a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Louisville, graduating Phi Kappa Phi in 1956. While completing his studies, Hank married his high school sweetheart Marian Frances Heil in 1954, in a ceremony at St. Brigids Catholic Church. With PhD and first born in hand, in 1956 Hank and Marian set off for Baton Rouge, Louisiana where Hank began a 30-year career with Exxon Mobil, where his research was recognized with over twenty US patents. His Exxon career took him to corporate headquarters to serve as speech writer for the chairman and then into international management, working throughout Europe and South America, retiring as Vice President Exxon Chemical Americas at his last posting in Houston, TX. His scientific and managerial accomplishments were recognized in his selection as an Outstanding Man of America in 1967. In retirement, Hank turned his managerial skill towards the promotion of higher education for the under privileged, establishing and endowing various scholarship programs of both Bellarmine University and St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio. He was most proud of having co-founded the Veritas Program at Bellarmine, an adult academic program grounded in life long learning. Hank served on the boards of Caritas, a nationwide health organization, and Bellarmine Alumni. For sixty years, Hank travelled the world for business and pleasure, finding the most enjoyment in visiting remote and exotic destinations with Marian, his children and grandchildren although he considered it a great personal accomplishment to have visited all of the fifty plus US National Parks. With an unassuming personality, he encouraged hard work, planning and perseverance with humor. He was always quick to remind all around him “The last 5% of any undertaking is always the hardest!” Known for his dry wit, he acknowledged his failing health by noting “I’ve been better but I got over it!”

Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 1:30 P.M. St. Joseph's Chapel On Second Floor at The Village at Incarnate Word