It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Louis E. Hank, a long-time Sault Ste. Marie businessman, who died unexpectedly from a heart attack on March 2, 2025. He lived his life with boundless energy, a great love for his family, and an unwavering passion for the things he enjoyed, especially sports, the outdoors, and community.
Born in 1935 to Ed and Mary (Moore) Hank in Barbeau, Michigan, Louis was the youngest of four children. He graduated from DeTour High School in 1953 and married his high school sweetheart, Betty Westervelt. The couple moved to Sault Ste. Marie, where they raised three children while running Hank’s Sport Shop, which became a staple in the community. Later, Lou married Judy Lounds, and they spent 20 years together before Judy’s passing in 2016.
For 51 years, Louis ran Hank’s Sport Shop, providing hockey and figure skating gear, archery equipment, hunting, fishing, and outdoor supplies to countless customers across the Eastern Upper Peninsula. His store was more than a business—it was a hub for local sports enthusiasts, where his kindness and expertise were always available.
A talented athlete in his own right, Louis excelled in football, basketball, and track at DeTour High School. His love for sports never waned, and he continued playing adult recreational slow-pitch softball for over 30 years and basketball. He supported local sports by sponsoring numerous teams under the Hank’s Sport Shop banner and coached his son Leon in several sports. Louis was a constant presence in his children’s lives, never missing a game, performance, or event. He was always there to celebrate their successes and console them in moments of defeat.
Louis was perhaps best known for his love of hunting and fishing. He spent countless hours in the woods, pursuing deer, bear, partridge, ducks, and geese with his son Leon and other local hunters. His expertise on the water was just as legendary, as he was often found trolling the St. Mary’s River for salmon or jigging for whitefish. Louis was also a highly skilled bow shooter, earning numerous championships and trophies throughout his lifetime. For the last 30 years, he dedicated much of his time to improving Hank’s family hunting camp on Neebish Island, planting trees, creating food plots, and enhancing the property to create the ultimate hunting experience.
Family was the heart of his life. Louis cherished family vacations, camping trips, bonfires, and Sunday dinners at the grandparents' homes in Raber and Goetzville. He taught his children the values of independence, hard work, humility, persistence, and setting goals. He loved playing games, especially Monopoly and cards, with his family, where he was known for his competitive spirit and sense of humor.
Louis is survived by his son, Leon (Susan) Hank of Holt; daughters, Linda (Richard) Hank Thompson of Austin, Texas, and Suzanne (Joe) O’Jibway of Cape Coral, Florida; grandchildren, Jeff (Yasi) Hank of East Lansing, Sarah (Adam) Montero of Grand Ledge, Wyatt Larew of Dallas, Texas, Andrew Prosser of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Nicholas (Tabitha) O’Jibway of St. Augustine, Florida, and Nathan (Brenna)
O’Jibway of Boyne City; great-grandchildren, Ava, Luke, and Isla Montero, Evan and Abby Larew, Lily O’Jibway, Cyrus and Henry Hank; sisters, Virginia Dorrien of Midland and Lorraine (Will) Schremp of Sterling Heights.
Louis was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Mary Hank; and sister, Charlotte Firack.
A Visitation will be held at 1:30 PM on April 5, 2025, at Family Life Funeral Home, 4951 S. M-129, Sault Ste. Marie, followed by a service at 3:00 PM.
Memorial donations may be left in honor of Louis at the Hospice of the EUP, 308 W. 12th Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 (hospiceoftheeup.com).
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
