Mr. Joachim Jon Fels

Jon's childhood years in wartime Germany left him fatherless at age 7. He completed his high school and college education as a graduate of der Universitat der Franckeschen Stiftungen in Halle, Germany. The postwar occupation and Stalinist rule by Russia made him fiercely determined to denounce Communism and seek the possibility of freedom and opportunities in the West. After several attempts, he successfully escaped communist East Germany through the Berlin Wall in 1961 and immigrated to America, where he became a naturalized American Citizen.

His hardships prior to coming to this country forged a deep love and appreciation for America, a love which he always shared enthusiastically. Jon had a gift for captivating audiences with his perspective of national and local current affairs, challenging them to appreciate their freedoms and not take them for granted. He was frequently invited to share his life story and “journey to freedom” with high school and college students, as well as civic organizations. Serving as a mentor for his own family as well as numerous young people, employees and even complete strangers, Jon’s field of influence was broad-based.

Early in his professional life he pursued a career as an opera singer, performing in Germany, Austria and the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. From the performing arts to a long successful career as an International Hotelier, he managed hotels on 3 continents, including Europe’s largest resort on the Baltic Sea. His work as an innovative and successful hotelier resulted in him being awarded six National Gold Key achievement awards.

The final chapter of Jon’s professional career included the purchase, ownership and operation of several Louisiana Hotels and commercial real estate, as well as brokering and managing hotels across the country.

Remembered by his family and friends as a man who lived his life based on the 'Golden Rule', Jon’s consideration of others made everyone in his presence feel special, regardless of their station in life or background.

He was preceded in death by his father, Guenther Fels (1913- 1943) who was killed on the Russian front during World War II and his mother, Ilse Braunsdorf Fels of Rottach-Egern, Germany (1916-2002). Jon is survived by his wife of 39 years, Margrett (Baton Rouge) whom he dearly loved, and by his son, Michael Thomas Fels, his wife, Charest and 2 grandchildren, Angele L. Fels and Graham M. Fels (all of Baton Rouge), a sister, Ingrid Krusche of Frankfurt, Germany along with some relatives and friends in Germany.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Greenoaks Funeral Home in Baton Rouge, from 8:30 am until service of remembrance at 10 am with interment immediately thereafter in Green Oaks Memorial Park. “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. (John 14:6)