Erwin Samuel Deutsch

Madison - Erwin Deutsch died on December 4, 2010 at the age of 94.   He was born in Breslau, Germany on July 4, 1916. He fled in 1939, having survived Buchenwald Concertration Camp. He traveled with his young wife, Steffi, his parents and his father-in-law to Bolivia where he made a home for his family for eight years before bringing them to the United States in 1946.   Erwin and Steffi lived in New Orleans for 29 years, where he was a renowned and respected contractor.   In 1961, he built the Al Hirt Club on Bourbon St. in New Orleans, one of many buildings he built that remain ed standing after Katrina. In 1987, he and Steffi moved to Evanston, Illinois, living near their daughters.   In 1995, they moved to Jackson, Wyoming and then in 1997, settled in Madison Wisconsin.   During his later years, he became a Holocaust Educator speaking eloquently about his experience in schools, synagogues, churches and community settings all over the country.   Erwin was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Steffi, and a daughter, Marianne, who died in Bolivia at age four.   He is survived by his daughters, Renate Bennett and Claudia MacMillan, their spouses, Michael Spierer and Chris MacMillan, his grandchildren, Eric Braun, Tamara Braun, Joe MacMillan and Andy MacMillan and Lisa, Josh and Gabe Spierer and by his large and loving extended family.   Funeral services for Erwin will be held Wed. Dec. 8, 2010 at 11 a.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison.   A visitation will be held prior to service beginning at 10 a.m.   A light luncheon will follow.     In lieu of flowers please consider sending a donation to the Shoah Foundation in Erwin's name.