It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Eileen Riedl Oltmann of Slidell, Louisiana. Following complications from Congestive Heart Failure, Eileen entered into the kingdom of Heaven on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born on July 13, 1947, to William and Claire Riedl, Eileen was the treasured only child of her devoted parents. She spent her childhood in New Orleans' 9th Ward, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Those close bonds shaped the compassionate, welcoming woman she would become. She attended Francis T. Nicholls High School, where she played the clarinet. She and her family moved from New Orleans to Chalmette in the early 1960's.

Eileen met the love of her life, Edward Joseph Oltmann, before he was deployed to Vietnam. Having been wounded in combat and awarded both the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, Eddie returned home and they eventually married on October 25, 1971. Together, they raised three children: Colleen Orfanello (Christian), Brad Oltmann (Anna), and Ashley Lopez (Ryan). Nothing brought Eileen greater joy than being "Maw Maw" to her three beloved grandsons: Austin Fath (31), Nicholas Cusimano (22), and Logan Lopez (16), each of whom held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William ("Bill") and Claire Riedl.

Eileen was the very definition of a Southern lady—gracious, kind, and endlessly generous. She always had a smile on her face. She was an excellent cook and rarely missed her daily cup of hot tea. Eileen was a friend to all, and a stranger to none.

Proud of her husband's military service, Eileen devoted herself to supporting combat-wounded veterans and their families through the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary. She served in leadership roles on a local, state, and national level. Her years of dedicated service earned her the honor of being elected the 80th National President of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary from 2016 to 2017.

Eileen and Eddie shared a passion for travel, exploring destinations throughout Europe and the Caribbean; but nothing compared to the joy she found aboard a cruise ship. Even when mobility became challenging, she continued cruising, enjoying spending a few dollars in the casino—though she was famously known for never spending her very last quarter. Eileen was also an enthusiastic sports fan who loved high school & college wrestling, college baseball, and all LSU athletics.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a brief interment ceremony at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery on Monday July 6, 2026 at 10:00am.

A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at Pinewood Country Club in Slidell until 12:30pm.

In honor of Eileen's deep love of God and country, her family encourages guests to attend in casual, comfortable, and patriotic attire.