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In Memoriam

At the Bertelsmann Stiftung, 2009 will always be associated with the death of its founder, Reinhard Mohn, who passed away on October 3 at the age of 88. Until his death he remained a member of the foundation’s Board of Trustees. Both the man and his abilities are missed by those who knew him. Society, too, has lost an important role model. His goal was as ambitious as it was simple: to make the world "a little bit better". He certainly succeeded -- and for that we can only say "thank you!"

Memorial Service on Oct. 16, 2009

Saying goodbye to Reinhard Mohn: Together with the Mohn family and colleagues from the Bertelsmann Stiftung, Reinhard Mohn’s friends and associates of many years from the political, business and social spheres paid their respects to the late entrepreneur and philanthropist at a memorial service held Friday.

Photo Gallery

Public and Media Response to Reinhard Mohn’s Death on Oct. 3, 2009

Gütersloh - 16/10/2009

Memorial Service for Reinhard Mohn: “Society has lost an important role model”

Gütersloh/Barcelona - 08/10/2009

Spain, Too, Mourns Reinhard Mohn

As in Germany, the death of Reinhard Mohn has received considerable media coverage abroad, especially in Spain. Many of the country’s newspapers, from its major dailies such as El Pais or El Mundo to regional publications like Diario de Ibiza, detailed with great appreciation and respect the life of the German business leader and philanthropist, who died on Oct. 3, 2009, at the age of 88.

Gütersloh - 05/10/2009

Reinhard Mohn – Obituaries Appear in Global Media

The news of Reinhard Mohn’s death was extensively reported in both the German and global media. Many obituaries described him as one of the major entrepreneurs of the post-war era and praised his unfailing efforts to promote social change and the common good.

Gütersloh - 05/10/2009

Policymakers and Public Remember Reinhard Mohn

The death of Reinhard Mohn on Oct. 3, 2009, produced numerous responses from policymakers, business leaders and the public. Most mention of his role as a successful entrepreneur and dedicated philanthropist. Many express respect for his willingness to forge new paths and realize visionary ideas. A number of statements are excerpted or summarized below, including those by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Jürgen Rüttgers, premier of the state of North Rhine–Westphalia.

Gütersloh - 04/10/2009

Bertelsmann Stiftung Mourns Reinhard Mohn

It is with deep sadness that the Bertelsmann Stiftung foundation announces the death of its founder. Reinhard Mohn died on October 3, 2009, at the age of 88. Together with his wife Liz Mohn, he represented the fifth generation of the Bertelsmann and Mohn owner/benefactor families. Until the last, he followed the Bertelsmann Stiftung’s work closely, as a member of its Board of Trustees.