Steve Schmitz, Beloved Doorman of 115 Bourbon Street, Dies Suddenly — Chicago Mourns South Side Icon
Chicago, IL — A wave of grief and heartfelt remembrance has swept across Chicago’s South Side following the sudden passing of Steve Schmitz, a deeply loved and familiar figure best known as the front door presence at 115 Bourbon Street. Steve died unexpectedly this week, leaving behind an immeasurable void in the hearts of family, friends, coworkers, and the countless patrons whose lives he touched over the years.
For many, Steve was more than just a security figure — he was a constant, a guardian, and an integral part of their Bourbon Street experience. With his firm handshake, booming voice, and trademark smile, Steve welcomed thousands through the doors of the iconic Merrionette Park venue, fostering a sense of safety, camaraderie, and familiarity that kept people coming back.
Though details regarding the cause of death have not been officially released, the shock of his sudden passing has left the community reeling. Friends describe him as the kind of person who remembered your name after one meeting, who always knew how to make you laugh — or put you in your place with love if necessary.
“He wasn’t just a doorman. Steve was 115 Bourbon Street,” said one longtime patron. “He made you feel like family the second you stepped up to that entrance. He was part of every memory I have here.”
Colleagues and management at 115 Bourbon Street also released a statement mourning Steve’s death:
“Steve Schmitz was not just our coworker; he was our friend, our protector, and our brother. His loyalty and presence made this place what it is. We are devastated by his loss, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and all who loved him.”
Outside of his professional life, Steve was known for his fierce loyalty to his friends, his devotion to his family, and his ability to bring light into even the darkest rooms. Whether it was sharing a beer after a shift, cheering on the White Sox, or offering support to someone going through a rough time, Steve had a way of showing up when it mattered.
He is survived by his children, siblings, and a wide-reaching circle of extended family and friends — all of whom are now navigating an overwhelming loss.
A candlelight vigil will be held outside 115 Bourbon Street later this week, with hundreds expected to attend in tribute to a man whose heart was as big as his stature. Details of a memorial service will be shared by the family in the coming days.
In remembering Steve Schmitz, the South Side isn’t just mourning the loss of a local legend — it is celebrating the life of a man who stood tall in every sense of the word. His absence will be deeply felt, but his spirit will remain etched into the very walls of the place he helped make legendary.