George Edward Steltz

George Edward Steltz, “The Maestro,” passed away on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the age of 91. He was born on July 20, 1933, to the late George and Mercedes Steltz. He was the brother of the late Ann Steltz Stechmann. He is survived by his beloved wife Lorraine Goff Steltz of 67 years. Devoted father to his two children, Keith (Linda) and Kathy Steltz Couget (Ricky). Loving grandfather of six grandsons, Kevin (Candace) Steltz, Craig (Lindsay) Steltz, Ryan (Deena) Couget, Randy Couget, Joshua (Camille) Couget, and Evan Couget. He was the great-grandfather (“old Paw Paw “) to Kaelynn, Brennan, Liv, Marykate, and Charlotte Steltz and Baby Girl Couget, coming in September.

George grew up in New Orleans around the Fairgrounds Racetrack. He spoke often of his paper route as a young boy. He attended Francis T. Nicholls High School and was in the band. He went on to LSU in Baton Rouge to study music. While there, he played trumpet in the LSU Tiger band and was in the ROTC. After graduating in 1956, he entered the United States Air Force and was stationed in Massachusetts. He played the trumpet in the Air Force Band for many dignitaries around the US. He was honorably discharged in 1966 as a First Lieutenant. He moved back to New Orleans with his wife Lorraine (whom he had met on the President Riverboat).

He went on to become a teacher and band director, notably at Redemptorist, Shaw, and several other schools throughout his 45 years of teaching. He had the pleasure of teaching countless students across the New Orleans area. He taught private lessons both at Werlein’s on Canal Street and Lakeside Shopping Center for many years. He was also a parade coordinator, getting bands for numerous Mardi Gras organizations. He played with bands for weddings and other events around the city. Music was his calling and passion, which he exhibited through countless hours of teaching and playing music, even late into his retirement.

George’s other passion in life was travel. He even became a travel agent. He and Lorraine traveled all over the world and always encouraged others to do the same. Italy, the Amalfi Coast, and the Isle of Capri were their favorites. They even traveled to the Orient and Russia. Las Vegas was his favorite US city to visit. He Loved the casinos and was an avid craps player.

He loved LSU (his alma mater). He was blessed to attend many LSU games and watched two of his grandsons play in the 2003 and 2007 National Championship games in the Superdome. He and Lorraine were in Tiger Stadium for Billy Cannon’s famous Halloween run. He loved fishing with his son and grandsons in Grand Isle and Delacroix.

George was a constant presence at his grandchildren’s sports games, school functions, and graduations, showing his unwavering support.

He cherished family vacations in Gulf Shores with his grandchildren.

Lastly, we have never met anyone who didn’t say, “What a kind man he was.” He was an example of a God-loving, good family man. He was the epitome of a perfect gentleman.

Services will be held at Leitz Eagan Funeral Home on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with a Mass at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, masses are preferred, or you can make a donation in his name to your favorite charity.

Inurnment will be at a later date. His family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing the online guest book at www.Leitz-Eagan.com.