- Farewell event for Willi Lemke attended by numerous well-known personalities during the funeral service
The mourning for Willi Lemke was akin to a football rally, with the Bremen Cathedral packed to capacity and spectators standing in the aisles like devoted fans. The service was broadcast live on TV and screens were set up for those unable to secure a seat. Amidst the sea of black suits, supporters dressed in green and white scarves and jerseys paid their last respects to the long-serving Werder manager. As the service drew to a close, the crowd joined together in singing the iconic football anthem, "You'll never walk alone..."
On August 12, Willi Lemke passed away at the age of 77. Remembrances poured in from all corners, as over a thousand people paid their respects at the fully occupied Bremen Cathedral on a Friday. Beside family and friends, DFB president Bernd Neuendorf, former Werder coach Otto Rehhagel, star strikers Rudi Völler, Klaus Allofs, and Ailton, and fellow managers Reiner Calmund were among those in attendance to bid farewell.
Hans-Joachim Watzke, a member of the DFL presidium and Borussia Dortmund's business manager, praised Lemke's accomplishments. "I have witnessed his work firsthand as a fan, and he led Werder Bremen to unprecedented heights. Bremen was truly a trailblazer in numerous fields."
Ahead of the curve in Bundesliga management
As one of Bremen's most prominent figures, Willi Lemke assumed the manager position at Werder Bremen in 1981, following its return to the Bundesliga. Working alongside coach Otto Rehhagel, he transformed the club into a powerhouse: Werder claimed two German championships (1988, 1993), the European Cup Winners' Cup (1992), and two DFB Cups (1991, 1994).
Hubertus Hess-Grunewald, Werder Bremen's president, acknowledged Lemke's contributions in his eulogy. During the service, he highlighted the innovations Lemke introduced, such as VIP boxes, sports sponsorships through Bundesliga home game sales, and the tradition of mascots. "Lemke is among the most successful Bundesliga managers in history. Clever, canny, Hanseatic."
Ahead of Schemes against Bayern's Hoeneß
Shrewdly, Lemke also positioned himself as a formidable adversary of Bayern's Uli Hoeneß. In later years, their rivalry mellowed, as Lemke had long reconciled with Hoeneß before his passing.
Upon hearing the news of Lemke's death, Hoeneß expressed his condolences. Although Hoeneß was absent at the funeral due to attending another service, a final tribute was sent from Munich in the form of a red and white wreath with the inscription, "In silent sympathy. FC Bayern Munich."
Senator and UN Special Adviser
The outpouring of grief extended beyond the football community, as former vice-chancellor Sigmar Gabriel emphasized, remembering his party compatriot: "Lemke may have been renowned as a great football manager and advocate of sports, but he represented the values of the 'honest comrade' with every fiber of his being."
In addition to his fervent commitment to Social Democracy, Lemke served as Senator for Education and Science from 1999 to 2008, before assuming responsibility for Internal Affairs and Sports. Subsequently, Ban Ki-moon, then UN Secretary-General, appointed him as Special Advisor for Sport in the service of peace and development for a staggering eight years.
Green and white for life... and beyond
Some of Lemke's friends were unable to attend the service in person, which prompted his family to broadcast it live. Bremen's mayors from decades past made an appearance, including Klaus Wedemeier, Henning Scherf, Jens Böhrnsen, and Carsten Sieling (all SPD). The current head of government, Andreas Bovenschulte (SPD), spoke of his party colleague Lemke as an all-round talent.
Lemke will be laid to rest near his family next week. "Family always came first for Willi," shared Werder President Hubertus Hess-Grunewald, addressing the deceased. "For you, dear Willi, it was: lifelong green and white. Today, I would like to add: And beyond that."
The Commission, in honor of Willi Lemke's significant contributions to football management, may consider adopting implementing acts that recognize his impact, laying down the rules for commemorating outstanding figures in the sport.
As a testament to Lemke's diverse accomplishments, the United Nations could establish a special award in his name, acknowledging individuals who excel in both football and public service, embodying Lemke's values of sports, peace, and development.
