Plankowner
Posts: 5024
Location: Gulfport, MS | Subject: Saturday Obit
WATZKE, Steven Russo, 72, passed away peaceably on Friday, June 21, 2019, at his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after a courageous battle with cancer. Steve was born in New Orleans on June 1, 1947 to the late John Joseph Watzke and Rita Russo Watzke. He is survived by his wife Ann Doris Watzke, brother John Joseph Watzke Jr., sister-in-law Beth Edwards Watzke, nephews John Joseph Watzke III and Michael Christopher Watzke, and stepson Brian Deere. Though living many years in San Diego, California-where he owned and operated Sound Reinforcement West, an electronic business specializing in audio, video, and security installation-and recently in Fort Lauderdale, Steve was always a New Orleanian through and through. He graduated from Cor Jesu High School in 1965 and attended the University of New Orleans, where he was active in student government. He served in the US Naval Submarine Division as a communications technician. His passion for music and desire for adventure found him partnering with fellow UNO students Ron Knowles and Jimmy Armstrong, with whom he worked on the first international pop festival-Mar Y Sol in Puerto Rico in 1972-and produced rock concerts in the southern United States as "Brothers Three." He later was elated to work with New Orleans-based-bands Flavor and Chocolate Milk. His audio prowess and wonderful reputation later landed him two national tours with Lady Gaga as a sound technician. Gentilly to the core, he was proud to serve as King XXXI of the Krewe of Dreux, and the highlight of his every year was his annual return to New Orleans to celebrate Dreux Week and march with the Krewe of Kosmic Debris on Mardi Gras Day. All of us looked forward with great anticipation each year to see what movie character Steve would portray for Mardi Gras; whether as Dr. Detroit, the Mask, Edward Scissorhands, the cow from Twister, Men in Black, or Tonto from the Lone Ranger, he never ceased to wow us all. Steve's love of family and friends, gentle nature, eternally positive attitude, and quickness to laugh and smile, endeared him to all fortunate enough to have shared his presence, and his beautiful spirit and joy for life will serve as an inspiration to family and friends forever. As per Steve's wishes, an offering of Steve's ashes, a muffuletta sandwich, and a shrimp po-boy (dressed, no pickle) will be delivered into the Mississippi River at the Moonwalk in his honor during this coming year's parade of the Krewe of Kosmic Debris on Mardi Gras Day; one and all are invited to attend and send him off in true New Orleans fashion. If you would like to contribute to help the family defray medical expenses, please go to gofundme.com/some help for steve watzke. Published in The Times-Picayune on July 6, 201
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Saturday Obit
