Steven J. van Noppen

A Life Well Seasoned

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Chef Steven J. van Noppen, who hung up his apron for the last time on September 7, 2024. Born on October 10, 1956, with a spatula in one hand and a secret sauce in the other, Steve was always cooking up something special. He was a 1978 graduate of Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America in New York, completing his Graduate Fellowship in Classical European Cuisine in 1979. He graduated from Florida International University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.

In New Orleans, LA, Steve was the Chef de Cuisine at Lenfants/La Louisiane/Broussard's Restaurants and was the Director of Food and Beverage at the Fair Grounds. As the Executive Chef of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, he won five LRA Menu Awards its opening year. He moved his family to the other side of the world as the Chef/Consultant when opening Antoine's Cajun Restaurant in Melbourne, Australia. In the Shreveport, LA area, Steve served as the Chef-Proprietor of Hilltop Catering, a family-run business that he took great pride in growing and managing alongside his loved ones—it was his most cherished professional achievement. Chef Steve was a longtime Executive Chef for the SMG-Shreveport Convention Center/Shreveport Municipal Auditorium. In his first attempt at "retirement," Steve became the Director of Dining Services and Director of Food and Nutrition Services at The Glen Retirement System. In his second attempt at "retirement," he worked part-time as the Chef at Fairfield Market and Cafe.

Chef Steve didn't just serve meals; he served joy, laughter, and second helpings. He was known for his signature dish, "An Old Family Recipe I Just Made Up," and when life handed him lemons, he made Sole Meunière. His culinary knowledge was so vast, it could far exceed any Google search results, and his recipe book, which he insisted was all "in his head," will forever remain a mystery.

When Steve wasn't feeding the masses, he could be found perfecting the art of the dad joke, listening to his extensive collection of music, socializing with friends, or taking a nap. Steve was a proud member of Boy Scouts of America, Troop 11, earning the rank of Eagle Scout in 1971 while in Wiesbaden, Germany. His passion for scouting continued as he shared it with his children, serving as Cub Master and Den Leader for Maxwell's troops, and even convincing his (ex)wife to become Lily's Girl Scout Troop Leader.

Steve was preceded in death by: Colonel Vern F. van Noppen (father), Eugenia B. van Noppen (mother), Janice V. van Noppen (stepmother), Peter D. van Noppen (brother), John E. van Noppen (brother), and Arthur Tracey Jr. (stepbrother).

He is survived by his loving family: Lawrence J. van Noppen and wife Teresa (brother), V. Kevin van Noppen and wife Diane (brother), Carolyn T. Eller (stepsister), Pamela A. Tracey (stepsister), Maxwell J. van Noppen (son), Lily J. Martin and husband Joseph (daughter), J. Corey van Noppen and wife Dana (nephew), Cody J. van Noppen (nephew), Rogan J. Martin and Jovie E. Martin (grandchildren).

In his honor, we suggest you eat something delicious today, preferably with extra garlic (because there's never enough garlic), and don't forget dessert.

A celebration of Chef Steve's life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana or the Second Harvest Food Bank in New Orleans.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Willis Knighton Pierremont Hospital staff for keeping him comfortable his last days.