Dr. Gene Woltering

Dr. Eugene (“Gene”) Anthony Woltering, Ohio State alumni and fan(atic), lover of food, relentless patient advocate, endlessly curious researcher, friend, father, lifelong partner, mentor, lover of life and of all things Jack Daniels and the ultimate singer of happy birthday, passed away on Friday, September 6, 2024, from complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was 75.

Born in 1949 as the only child of M. Margaret Woltering and Elmer C. Woltering, passion was the driving force of Gene’s life. After growing up in Hamilton, Ohio, Gene went to Case Western Reserve University for his undergraduate degree, followed by THE Ohio State University School of Medicine. After moving to Nashville for a surgical residency at Vanderbilt University, he went on to complete fellowships in surgical oncology at The Ohio State University School of Medicine and the National Cancer Institute. Fueled by a desire to achieve better patient outcomes, Gene devoted his life to research oncology and patient care. In 1993, Gene accepted the James D. Rives Chair of Surgery and Neuroscience at Louisiana State University and moved to New Orleans. By 2013, his CV had grown to 44 impressive pages of articles, accolades, and leadership positions. But what motivated Gene was never listed on his CV, it was the relentless desire to create a world where neuroendocrine patients beat their disease and went on to live beautiful, full lives. It only took one look at Gene’s home (or his wardrobe) to understand the depth of Gene’s devotion to his herd of zebras—the symbol associated with neuroendocrine awareness. And in 2020 when Gene decided to retire, his zebra herd refused to let the pandemic strip them of their ability to thank him for his nearly 50 years of service. Instead, patients and colleagues lined up in front of his house for a drive-by tribute to honor his life’s achievements with an endless stream of honking horns, stuffed zebras sticking out of windows, and handwritten signs with messages of gratitude and well wishes. He would be the first to tell you that it was the honor of his life to serve his patients.

But Gene’s passions extended so far beyond the hospital. Never one for moderation, Gene’s world was filled with love, laughter, an enviable Jack Daniel’s collection, more Ohio State paraphernalia than any person should own, a fully restored 1970 Chevelle SS, a professional woodworking shop where his skills were wasted making his daughters’ dreams of heart-shaped jewelry boxes and custom tack-trunks come true, and an insatiable passion for travel and food. He was the heart and soul of a chosen family that he created, nurtured, endlessly encouraged, and loved fiercely. Everyone who walked into Gene’s home left with a full stomach and a full heart. But his ultimate passion came later in life when he became a grandfather to Kaden, Allie, and Margaret. He cherished his role as their “Bear Bear” more than any other he held. He leaves behind a world that is brighter for the silly songs he made up, animal-themed nicknames he assigned, weekly telephone calls that he refused to miss, and the heartfelt “I Love You” that he used to punctuate the end of every conversation.

Gene is survived by Debra Godsey, his partner in love and life for nearly 34 years; his children S. Nathaniel Woltering (Melanie Jusek) of Columbus, Ohio, Catherine Woltering (Brian Andrews) of Park City, Utah, and Regina Godsey Cloud (Kevin Cloud) of Kenner, Louisiana; his grandchildren Kaden (Kage-aroo) Cloud, Allie (Allie-gator) Cloud, and Margaret (Mouse) Woltering.

Family, friends, and others whose lives were touched by Gene are invited to Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, Louisiana, on Saturday, September 14, 2024, for a Visitation from 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm, followed by a Prayer Service at 3 pm in the Leitz-Eagan Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Holy Cross High School, 5500 Paris Ave, New Orleans, LA 70122 or St. Philip Neri Catholic School, 6600 Kawanee Ave, Metairie, LA 70003 or click the link below.