Victor Edward Sterzing Jr.

Victor E Sterzing Jr.

July 28, 1937 – July 26, 2025

Victor Sterzing, a proud sixth-generation Austinite, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, just two days shy of his 88th birthday. Born on July 28, 1937, in Austin, Texas, Victor's life was defined by music, creativity, and a deep love for his family and community.

Victor was the son of Victor Edward Sterzing and Ellen Claire Kuehne Sterzing. He grew up in the Rosedale neighborhood, across from Ramsey Park, where he shared a modest two-bedroom home with his family. Life in Rosedale was vibrant: his father organized neighborhood circuses in the park, served as a scout leader, and filled their home with music. Victor was active in the boy scouts and enjoyed his days at Camp Tom Wooten. His mother fostered in Victor a passion for art, singing, and poetry. These early influences shaped his lifelong devotion to the arts.

After graduating from McCallum High School in 1955, Victor spent many evenings performing alongside his father in the Vic Sterzing and Talk of the Town Orchestra, playing Big Band and Dixieland music for audiences at Bergstrom Air Force Base, Dessau Hall, the Elks Lodge, and other local venues. His musical journey took him to Alamo Village in Brackettville, Texas, where he became known as "Big Red," performing daily cowboy shootouts and serenading guests with ballads in the cantina.

In the 1960s, Victor moved to New York City's West Village, immersing himself in the vibrant cultural scene while honing his skills as a songwriter, performer, and poet. By the 1970s, he relocated to Sedona, Arizona, where he lived with his parents and actively participated in the local arts community. As a bass-baritone, Victor performed with the Arizona Opera in productions such as Madame Butterfly and Gianni Schicchi, as well as in musicals including Ruddigore, Patience, Man of La Mancha, South Pacific, and Gigi. He was a member of the Arizona Opera Chorus for three years.

Returning to Austin in the 1990s, Victor remained active in the arts, performing with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society and the Opera Ensemble of Austin. He later worked for the State of Texas for a decade before retiring.

Victor will be remembered as a man who lived fully, sharing music, stories, and laughter with everyone around him. He loved good food, long walks along the Lady Bird Lake trails, and the company of his community at The Rosedale.

Victor is survived by his brothers, Philip Sterzing and David Sterzing, and his nephew, Ingmar Sterzing, along with many cherished friends who enriched his life.