J.Henry Amt

J. Henry Amt (Hank) passed away on Monday May 20, 2024, age 104.

Hank was born to George H. Amt and Annabel Roempke Amt on January 11, 1920 in Indianapolis, IN. Hank graduated from Culver Military Academy before attending Purdue University. While there, he earned the award of National Champion - Military Academies Sharpshooter Competition. Before graduating from Purdue with a degree in Horticultural Economics, he participated in Purdue Glee Club and was the lead in several theatrical productions. He was a member, and house president for 3 years, of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He also earned membership in Theta Alpha Phi Honorary Fraternity.

Hank joined the US Army in 1941 after graduation from Purdue, serving for 4 1/2 years, 2 1/2 of which were overseas as part of the Americal Division, participating as Captain of Infantry in the Guadal Canal and Bougainville campaigns. Upon his return, he married Janet Place, (deceased), Crown Point, IN whom he had met while at Purdue.

Hank was involved in the home building and lumber businesses in South Bend, where he and Janet raised their daughter, Sue Ellen and sons Eric and Fredric. He was the CFO of Place Homes and Place & Company and served as the President of the South Bend Chamber of Commerce. He was a 75-year member of the Valley of South Bend Scottish Rite, attaining the 32nd Degree. The family moved to Elkhart, IN, where Hank developed and ran the Old Orchard Golf Course, until his retirement. He and Janet moved to Pine Island, in the Fort Myers, FL area. While there, he was the President of the Pine Island Water Association and a President of the SW Florida Rare Fruit Growers Association. His hobbies were Music, Gardening and "Being in Charge".

Hank was preceded in death by his father and mother, and his sister Georgiana (Jan) Estes Survivors include: Daughter, Sue BeMiller, Grandsons Chad (Paige) and Ryan (Kathy), Great Grandsons Syler and Xavier, Great Granddaughters Lucy and Chloe. Son, Eric (Sandy), Granddaughter Erica (Carlos), Great Granddaughter, Viviana. Son, Fredric (Carol), Grandsons, Michael, Christopher (Lauren) and Jonathan (Lauren), Great Granddaughters Harper and Teagan.

A Graveside service will be held Wednesday May 29, 1:00 PM at Memorial Park Cemetery, 9350 E Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46229 Memorial contributions may be made to Compass Park Indiana Masonic Home. Please share memories, photographs and online condolences with the family at www.ghherrmann.com