he year 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of
the German Federal Association of Funeral
Directors (BDB). Since its inception, the federation
has been stellar in advancing the interests of
funeral professionals in Germany. Preserving the
customs and traditions of our burial culture is part
of its mission, as well as facilitating dialogue about
the changing realities of life of clients and funeral
directors alike.
How did the idea of a joint organization for all
funeral directors emerge? What motivated the
founding fathers in the early years – just after
the Second World War? What did they strive to
accomplish – and were they able to reach their
goals? In this summary article, we go back to our
beginnings.
One day in Bielefeld
On 23 March 1948, seventeen men came together
in Bielefeld, in the German state of North Rhine-
Westphalia, to discuss the future of the funeral
industry. Driving force behind the meeting had
been Theo Remmertz, a funeral director from
Düsseldorf. The participants were representing
regional organizations of funeral directors that
had been established in the American and British
occupation zones in post-war Germany. Main
topic was the “discussion and decision on future
cooperation” within the western occupation
zones.1
To this end, Remmertz read out a declaration
outlining
the
ambition
to
bring
together
funeral professionals from all over Germany.
This declaration, Remmertz hoped, would be
a sufficient basis for everyone in attendance to join
forces towards a shared goal: to establish a broad
organization that would attract so many members
that it would be able to position itself in the public
arena as “the only relevant organization for all
questions regarding funeral services” in Germany.2
Headquarters in Düsseldorf
His remarks apparently struck a chord, because the
minutes note no further discussion. Instead, the
participants unanimously agreed and went straight
to vote on the structure and personnel of their new
federation. Remmertz was chosen to take over the
chair; the headquarters would thus be located in
Düsseldorf.3
Formative Years
It took over a year, until 24 November 1949, before
the young association was officially registered.4
In the meantime, Remmertz and his colleagues
had fleshed out the structure of the organization.
Among other things, a magazine was distributed
LOVE, RESPECT
AND REVERENCE
THE UNIFICATION
OF THE GERMAN FUNERAL INDUSTRY
By Dr. Simon J. Walter, Cultural Representative
of the German Burial Culture Foundation, Germany
© BDB
Protocol of the inaugural meeting
in March 1948.
24
No. 102 – SUMMER 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
JUBILEES