Lester Joseph Lautenschlaeger, Jr. passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025. Lester, affectionately known as "Schlaeger", was born on August 30, 1931, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the son of Lester Joseph Lautenschlaeger Sr. and Lizzette Mackie Lautenschlaeger.

Lester grew up in New Orleans, attended Jesuit High School, and upon graduation, attended Tulane University where he earned his undergraduate degree in Business. During his time at Tulane he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and the Tulane football team. After graduating, Lester served in the United States Navy where he earned the rank of Lieutenant. He then attended Tulane University School of Law where he graduated with a Juris Doctor degree.

Lester practiced Maritime law in New Orleans at Faris, Ellis, Cutrone, Gilmore & Lautenschlaeger and then at Lautenschlaeger & Oberhelman until his retirement in 1999. While living in New Orleans, Lester was an active member of several social organizations including: The Stratford, Pickwick, Iris, and Bienville Clubs. He also served on the board of Louise S. McGehee School. After retirement, Lester relocated to Pass Christian where he made his home for the remainder of his life.

Beyond his professional achievements, Lester was a man of many passions. An avid hunter, fisherman, tennis player and woodworker, he loved spending time outdoors and sharing those experiences with family and friends. He was a gifted cook, known for his skill in the kitchen and his joy in preparing meals for others, especially down at his hunting camp in Houma. On Thursday and Fridays, he could almost always be found at the Pass Christian Yacht Club enjoying fellowship and the coastal life he cherished.

Lester is survived by his two children Lester Lautenschlaeger III and Addie Louis (Tommy); his stepchildren Carol Helm, Mark Drapanas (Thierry) and Wendy Stokes (George); his grandchildren Lisa Lautenschlaeger (Orlando), Lucie Louis, Courtney Steiner (Chris), Trevor and Kelsey Cangelosi, Abigail and Anna Helm, Christopher, Alexis, and Nicholas Drapanas; and his great grandchildren Ethan and Tristan Steiner, and Elidia and Noah Marchan.

Lester was preceded in death by his wife Arlene Drapanas Lautenschlaeger, son Robert "Bob" Beattie Lautenschlaeger, sister Lisette Lautenschlaeger Verlander, and parents Lester Joseph Sr. and Lizzette Mackie Lautenschlaeger. Lester is also survived by his longtime companion, Terry Scott, who brought him much joy and companionship in his later years.

The family would like to thank all the loving caregivers.

Lester will be remembered for his love of family and the zest with which he embraced life both in New Orleans and in Pass Christian.

Services will be held on October 9, 2025, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 125 Church Ave, Pass Christian, MS with visitation at 9:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 10:00 a.m..  A Celebration of Life reception will follow at The Pass Christian Yacht Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Episcopal Church.