Hank Bertelkamp, Tennessee Basketball Legend and Automation Pioneer, Dies at 94
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Hank Bertelkamp, a former University of Tennessee men’s basketball player and prominent knoxville businessman, passed away peacefully at his home on December 20, 2024, at the age of 94. https://www.utsports.com/news/2024/12/20/mens-basketball-hank-bertelkamp-passes-away/ He was a beloved figure in the tennessee basketball community and a accomplished entrepreneur, leaving behind a lasting legacy both on and off the court.
University of Tennessee Basketball Career
Born October 5, 1930, in Louisville, kentucky, Bertelkamp played for the Tennessee volunteers from 1950 to 1953. https://www.utsports.com/news/2024/12/20/mens-basketball-hank-bertelkamp-passes-away/ He averaged 8.9 points per game during his career and served as team captain during the 1952-53 season, his senior year. In his final season, he substantially increased his production, averaging 14.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
A Family Legacy in Tennessee Basketball
The Bertelkamp family’s connection to Tennessee basketball extends beyond Hank. His son, Bert Bertelkamp, also played for the Volunteers from 1976 to 1980. Bert was a key contributor to the team, starting for three seasons and appearing in 110 games. He played a crucial role in the Volunteers’ 1976-77 SEC Championship team and still holds the program record for most assists in an NCAA Tournament game with 16, achieved in 1980. https://www.utsports.com/news/2024/12/20/mens-basketball-hank-bertelkamp-passes-away/
Following his playing career, Bert Bertelkamp served as the radio analyst for the Vol Network for 26 seasons, retiring after the 2024-25 season. The family’s commitment to the program is further demonstrated through the Bertelkamp Basketball Scholarship Endowment Fund, established in August 2004. This endowment continues to support Tennessee basketball players, with sophomore guard Bishop boswell as the current recipient for the 2025-26 season. https://www.utsports.com/news/2024/12/20/mens-basketball-hank-bertelkamp-passes-away/
Bertelkamp Automation and Community Involvement
Hank Bertelkamp, alongside his son Bert, founded Bertelkamp Automation, Inc., a Knoxville-based industrial automation solutions provider. https://www.bertelkampautomation.com/ The company, now also involving Bert’s son, hank Bertelkamp Jr., provides automation solutions to various industries. Bertelkamp Automation is actively involved in the Knoxville community, supporting organizations such as the United Way of Greater Knoxville and the McNabb Center. https://www.bertelkampautomation.com/about-us/
Honors and Remembrance
Hank Bertelkamp’s contributions to the university of Tennessee are recognized through the naming of the men’s basketball offices at the Food City Center in his honor. This dedication was celebrated with a ceremony in December 2011. https://www.utsports.com/news/2024/12/20/mens-basketball-hank-bertelkamp-passes-away/
Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced at a later date. Hank Bertelkamp’s passing marks the loss of a true Tennessee legend, whose impact will be felt for generations to come.
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