Ernest J. Langenhennig

Ernest J. Langenhennig, a successful businessman, avid outdoorsman, expert fisherman, loving husband, father and grandfather, died Friday, July 15. The cause of death was Covid 19. He was 82. Ernest was born in New Orleans and grew up exploring the bayous and backroads of Mandeville, where he developed a deep love of the natural world and a sixth sense for catching fish. If it moved in the woods or water, he could find it. His family’s farm instilled in him a deep respect and love for animals, gardening and self-sufficiency.

A graduate of St. Paul’s School in Covington, Ernest earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Louisiana State University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of New Orleans. His college days were interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era. He served honorably in the Finance Corps and received decorations for marksmanship and sharp shooter.

Ernest held executive human resources positions in the banking industry before opening his own firms, Langenhennig Inc. and LStaff, human resources staffing and consulting businesses. Among his clients were Shell Oil, Monsanto, Union Carbide, the City of Kenner, and many others.

When Ernest wasn’t working, he was on his boat, speeding across the Gulf of Mexico in the hunt for snapper, trout, redfish and, when the blue water was in, tuna. For many years, he had a fishing camp in Venice, La., where he reveled in the area’s abundance of wildlife and its juxtaposition between the brackish bays and the saltwater Gulf. Nothing made him happier than sharing that world with his wife and daughters.

At home, Ernest kept a meticulous garden, blooming with hibiscus and native plants, many of which he found while out exploring on his boat and brought home to enjoy in his yard. He built furniture and loved woodworking.

One of Ernest’s most remarkable qualities was his natural ease and comfort interacting with folks from all walks of life. He was equally at home in board rooms and fishing camps, able to find common interest with everyone he met.

Ernest often joked that his “most expensive investments” were his two daughters, who he showered with love, guidance and support. When the next generation arrived, that love overflowed on his granddaughter.

Ernest was the son of the late Genevieve (Pittari) and John Langenhennig. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Kraus Langenhennig; two daughters, Shelley Langenhennig Poore and Susan Langenhennig Granger; granddaughter, Genevieve Poore; sons-in-law, Louis Poore and Chris Granger; sister Nina Pihl; beloved cousin, Arthur Pittari and other Pitarri and Langenhennig cousins; and his favorite sidekick, his dog Tanner.

Due to Covid 19, funeral services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to remember Ernest make a donation in his memory to the Pontchartrain Conservancy at scienceforourcoast.org.