Hannes Krätz: A life for Garmisch-Partenkirchen and music

Hannes Krätz: A life for Garmisch-Partenkirchen and music

In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the news of the death of Hannes Krätz, the former third mayor, moved people. At the age of 62 he died of a serious illness Mercury reported. Krätz was active in city politics from 2008 to 2014 and represented the Free Voters in the local council for three electoral terms. His commitment to the community will now be sorely missed.

Krätz was not only a politician, but also a great advocate of regional and sustainable food culture. He led the slow food movement in the region, which campaigned for the preservation of the cultural landscape and traditional foods. He discovered his passion for farming in the last years of his life when he kept goats. This return to nature was a matter of the heart for him, which he continued in the spirit of the life's work of his late sister Ursula Hudson.

A colorful CV

Born in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, he was also active in the media landscape before entering politics. Krätz was previously a presenter at Radio Oberland and worked as a social security specialist. In 2019 he made a major change in his professional life: After selling the sports quarters at the Olympic ski stadium, he largely withdrew to look after his sick parents, who died in 2022 and 2023. During this difficult period he himself fought against his illness.

His circle of friends, which also included the most famous faces such as Franz Grabo and Michael Maurer, valued him as a reliable and humorous person who was always up for a good conversation. Mayor Elisabeth Koch paid tribute to the deceased as a citizen-oriented politician who was always open to the concerns of the people of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Creative mind with musical talent

Last but not least, Hannes Krätz was also a passionate musician. He played the clarinet in several musical groups, such as the Reschberg-Musi and the Bayern-Quintet, showing that creativity played an important role in his life. In his own obituary, he expressed his wish that grateful memories would arise from grief and pain.

Hannes Krätz leaves an important gap in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. His special commitment to the community, his love for regional products and his friendliness will be remembered by many. In times like these, it is particularly important to pause and reflect on what it meant for the city. His death is not only a loss for his family, but for the entire community.

The memories of Hannes Krätz will remain, and his desire to create a better world through sustainable practices will certainly inspire his successors. Whether in politics, music or agriculture - his contribution will not be forgotten.