Worthy burial for lonely deceased in Friedrichshafen

Worthy burial for lonely deceased in Friedrichshafen

In Friedrichshafen, a special kind of burial is practiced, which also gives a little dignity that were often forgotten in life. The city assumes the costs of burials by people who have left no wealth and have no relatives in order to allow them to be given the last honor. Anonymity is the rule in many cases, but a new way is taken here.

Last year, 18 such burials took place in which everyone deceased, regardless of their social status, received a name and face. This is made possible by the committed work of City Diacon Martin Rebmann. His conviction is that every person, regardless of the situation she is, deserves respect and dignity, beyond death. "It is about the dignity of man as God's creature," he emphasizes, making it clear that human appreciation does not end when life expires.

Dignified departure in community

An example of this special form of funeral is the case of Renate Buck, which died on July 13, 2024, at the age of 71. While she spent her last years in the Wilhelm Maybach pen, the human connection remained alive. Here nurses were able to provide information about them and make contact with friends. This made it easier for Deacon Rebmann to draw a worthy picture of Renate Buck. Her religion didn't matter; The memory of the person and their life was important.

On the day of the funeral service, a group of around two dozen people had gathered, including former schoolmates, nurses and neighbors to receive the last honor. It was a moment that showed that the network of relationships, even if it is sparse, could still be valuable. "It can be seen touching that so many have come to mourn and commemorate," says Rebmann.

A moving life with challenges

The life path of Renate Buck was characterized by many challenges. Born on August 1, 1952 in Friedrichshafen, she was a good student, but the early death of her mother in 1971 was a turning point in her life. This traumatic experience led to psychological problems that accompanied her for many years. Despite her difficulties, she eventually entered a self -help group where she found support and could learn to deal with her inner struggles.

The funeral service, which was organized for Renate Buck's ultimate farewell, became a warm and emotional event. Music from a local ensemble underlined the celebrations, and Deacon Rebmann managed to paint the image of a woman who was loved. Her best friend Rita, who had traveled from France, was a special surprise for everyone present because she had played an important role in Renate's life.

What Renate Buck ultimately characterized, her spiritual devotion was. Whether in the service or on her excursions into nature, she found comfort in sharing her heart and worries with God. "Their faith was an important part of her life, and that was also reflected in the funeral service," said Rebmann.

A sign of humanity

This type of burial in Friedrichshafen stands as an example of a society that gives a voice not only the rich and known, but also to the lonely souls. "Renate Buck is not forgotten," said Deacon Rebmann and conveyed an essential message: We are all the same in death, and it is the duty of the community to stand up for the dignity of everyone, even if he or she received little attention in life.

Social Isolation and its consequences

The increasing social isolation that many people experience, especially in old age, throws a shadow on the social structures in German-speaking countries. According to a study by the Federal Statistical Office from 2021, around 27% of the over 65-year-olds in Germany are to be regarded as socially isolated. This isolation can have various causes, including the loss of relatives, removals in care facilities and the decline in social activities. The consequences are often serious: in addition to mental illnesses such as depression, physical health can also be impaired.

Social support systems, as can be seen in Renate Buck's history, are crucial to combat loneliness and support people in crisis situations. Institutions and communities are increasingly taking a key role here by offering both material and emotional support.

Legal framework of social burial

The funeral law in Germany stipulates that municipal social assistance must intervene in cases of so-called "unoccupied burials". Such a case occurs if the deceased have no relatives and no financial resources can be provided for burial. The burial usually takes place anonymously and the costs are borne by the municipality. In many federal states, it is now legally stipulated that a name tag must also be attached to the grave in order to appreciate the deceased. This regulation was often seen as a step towards more human dignity in the last phase of life.

However, these legal framework conditions are not uniform and vary from state to state. Especially in regions with a high number of socially disadvantaged people, the pressure on the social welfare systems is getting bigger, which sparks the debate about adequate burial and dealing with socially isolated deceased.