Hans-Joerg Artur Ernst

Hans passed away on January 9, 2015. He died suddenly and peacefully, as he would have wished. He came to the United States in 1971 to help Burda Druck media company establish a joint venture in Virginia. In 1974 he left Meredith/Burda Corp. to co-found Graphic Art Service, Inc. in Marietta, GA. Over the years, Graphic Art Service expanded with plants in Richmond, VA, Greensboro, NC, Nashville, TN, and a sales office in New York, NY. Hans became the sole owner of Graphic Art Service until his retirement in 2006.

Born in Schramberg, Germany on January 23, 1945, Hans was the son of Arthur Ernst and Matilde (Bork) Ernst. He is survived by Mary Lou (Riffelmacher) Ernst, his wife of 41 years, and by his sons Torsten and Christopher, and daughter-in-law Sarah (Morin) Ernst. Hans remained close to his relatives in Germany including his uncle and aunt Rolf and Margot Bork as well as their children, Thomas Bork and Sabine (Bork) Kuhn. A lifelong learner, he relished adventure travel and the opportunity to capture cultures and landscapes through both personal encounters and the camera lens. He was a private man, but enjoyed and loved his family without bounds, and was remarkable for his loyalty and generosity. And he, in turn, was well-loved.

A memorial service will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Faith Lutheran Church, 2111 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30068.

In lieu of flowers, please consider spending time with your loved ones in Hans' honor.