Stephen Illg Obituary
Born on November 3, 1949, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Steve grew up with a deep love for his hometown and its vibrant traditions. He cherished his early years at Beauregard Elementary and later attended Louisiana State University (LSU), where he earned a degree in Marketing. It was during his time at LSU that he met the love of his life, Dolly. Their bond would become the foundation of a marriage that spanned more than five decades.
Steve built a successful career as the owner and residental appraiser for Appraisal Services of Greater New Orleans. His dedication to his work and clients earned him respect throughout the community until his retirement in 2020. He was also the co-owner with his wife of the wedding venue, Louisiana Castle. He took great pride in designing the additions for the Castle and loved spending time there.
A man of great spirit and humor, Steve had an infectious love for life. He was an avid sports enthusiast who enjoyed both watching and playing football and basketball with friends. His passion for celebration was unmatched-he embraced Mardi Gras and Halloween with gusto, always costuming and bringing joy to those around him. Known for his quick wit and warm laughter, Steve delighted in making others smile.
He is survived by his loving wife Dolly Illg; his brother Robert "Bob" Illg and Bob's wife Sharon; Becky Illg Simeon (former wife of Steve's late brother James "Jimmy" Illg); and nieces Natalie Illg, Robyn Illg Dansere, and Julie Shelton Gray. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert "Bob" and Lucille Illg and his younger brother James "Jimmy" Illg.
Steve faced ALS with a strong spirt and grace. Special thanks to all his neighbors, especially Boogie and DImitri, and his friends and family that assisted him and Dolly during this difficult time. He expressed heartfelt thanks to the ALS Community and the Steve Gleason Foundation for their support throughout his journey. In one final act of generosity, Steve donated his body to the LSU School of Medicine to aid scientific research-a testament to the kindness that defined him throughout his life.
Stephen Brian Illg will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted brother and uncle, loyal friend, and a man whose laughter lit up every room. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.
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Brian Illg
October 28, 2025
So sorry to hear... Just seeing this notice. Our sincere condolences and prayers for the family. With the "short" last name and New Orleans being a close knit community, we didn´t have to go far before being asked if we are related to Stephen and Dolly. Always mentioned as a couple as alluded to in a previous post. A pleasant conversation always followed as we connected the dots with many mutual friends of Bob and Jimmy. Our love to you all.
Brian
Kara Esquivel
October 11, 2025
Dolly, how blessed you and Steve were to have found each other. Truly soul mates. Your devotion to each other was evident. For example, how many turkey breasts did you cook for that man? :) Steve had such a great laugh and always showed genuine interest and curiosity when talking with someone. I will miss seeing him at the Christmas table. Hugs to you.
Barbara Hoerner Bruno
October 11, 2025
Steve, along with the love of his life Dolly, became a big part of our extended Hoerner Family when our sister Sharon married Bobby Illg, Steve's brother. We were amazed at how Steve and Dolly seemed to fit right in to our large and crazy family. No matter how wild things got, Steve and Dolly never missed a Christmas dinner and always brought a huge pan of Dolly's classic dirty rice dish which everyone loved. Throughout endless gift openings and crazy games, Steve and Dolly hung right in and were always a wonderful part of our holidays (that's Steve in the top left corner, right above Dolly, making the funny face). We will miss Steve dearly, but are blessed to still have Dolly. Hope to join Steve up in heaven for more wild and crazy times together.
much love to Steve and Dolly,
Barbara Hoerner Bruno and the whole Hoerner Family
MARIA TAYL0R
October 10, 2025
I've known Steve almost my whole adult life. Steve was kind and he was very devoted to his wife, Dolly. Their love for each other was obvious. They were always together. You could barely say one name without the other. They were Steve and Dolly.
A memory of Steve has to do with the first time he came to our house. It was New Year's Eve, and my parents were having a party. We were excited because my sister Sharon was bringing her new boyfriend Bobby. Bobby was bringing his 2 brothers Jimmy & Steve. Steve was very gregarious. He was a good candidate to do whatever. Well Jimmy and Steve must have gotten restless because they decided to challenge each other to a hotdog eating contest at the buffet. I don't remember who won, but I do remember the mess & trying to reconstruct my mother's buffet. Between that and the fireworks going off under the house that sounded like bombs we never had a big party there again.
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Tammy Voth
October 9, 2025
I have worked for Mr. Steve and Dolly for twenty something years maybe 30. Every time I saw them it was so obvious that they truly loved one another. They each took great pride in the way they cared for one another. Mrs. Dolly I know how much you must miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate life without your other half.
Josh Patella
October 9, 2025
I had the pleasure of meeting Steve quite a few years ago. He was a gentleman with a great sense of humor! He absolutely loved his wife, Dolly, which was clear from the second we met until the last time I saw him. He and Dolly went out of their way to support my business (and therefore my family) and I'll always be grateful.
He once told me, with pride and through laughter, that he paid for a lifetime membership to a gym. Of course the gym expected to be on the winning side of the transaction. Apparently they didn't know Steve. When people fell off and the business changed hands, his lifetime membership remained decades later, and they lost out on him!!! Once he signed up for something, he was committed for life. Hence his relationship with Dolly. We'll miss you, Steve.
Greg & Jenni Dillon
October 9, 2025
We met Steve in New Orleans over 15 years ago. Steve was always so genuine and caring for how we were doing. His love for life and his dear Dolly was always so evident. He will be dearly missed.
Greg & Jenni Dillon
Phylicia Reid
October 9, 2025
It was a such a joy taking care of Mr. ILLg as his hospice nurse, he was such a good man and believed in LOVE. We watched basketball and antique road show during our time together. I´ll never forget that dunk contest he had me watch! Even in his sickness he was more concerned about helping his wife than himself. Truly a selfless soul. Every person deserves a partner in life like Mr Stephen. -Phylicia
Rebecca Illg
September 15, 2025
Steve was my bother in law . After Jimmy died my first husband of 27 yrs ,which was very sudden Steve was always there to help Natalie and I with any task! He loved Mardi Gras ,Christmas,Halloween!But what only a few knew he also loved helping his friends when in trouble and giving to families in need at Christmas!! Steve and Dolly were unseperable couple ,Rarely saw one without the other!God Bless you Steve !Give Jimmy a Hug for us !!Love Becky
Diane and Paul Schaefer
August 29, 2025
Steve was a very kind and generous person. Always eager to help others. I looked forward to our conversations sharing information on our families around the holidays. He had a wonderful sense of humor which showed in his annual Christmas card which usually arrived the day after Thanksgiving. Ronnie(one of our cousins) and I wondered where he found them. We always smiled and appreciated the time he spent choosing the right card.
Dolly, Steve´s memory will live on in the love you shared and the life you built together. May you find some comfort in knowing his family and friends will reflect on the memories they shared with him.
Boogie
August 28, 2025
I remember when Steve and dolly had to stay at my grandmother's house after significant damage to their house during Hurricane Ida and I really got to know him and find out how funny and sweet he really was and I quickly learned don't play ping pong against him because you will lose he will be missed greatly
Brian Riedlinger
August 25, 2025
I met Steve at Beauregard then lost touch in high school and reconnected at LSU. We played sports, cards, ate, lived and drank together. Steve and Dolly are special to me A significant loss. Be kind to yourself Dolly. We love you
Brian & Carmen
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