Beneath this stone lies a man whose name echoes through Vienna’s historical archives. This is the final resting place of Felix Czeike. He was more than just a historian. He was a keeper of Vienna’s stories.
Felix Czeike was born in Vienna in 1926. He dedicated his life to capturing the city’s vibrant past. He died in 2006 in Merano. He was buried here in an honorary grave.
Czeike studied history and art. He also studied geography and German studies at the University of Vienna. In 1950, he earned his doctorate in philosophy. He began working at the Vienna City and State Archives in 1954. He became its director in 1976. He held this position until his retirement in 1989.
His most famous work is the Historische Lexikon Wien. It is a six-volume encyclopedia of Vienna’s history. Experts often call it simply “der Czeike”. This comprehensive work contains about 3,700 pages. It holds approximately 30,000 keywords.
Czeike’s wife, Helga, played a vital role in his work. She is mentioned as a co-author in some of his books. She provided invaluable support in creating the Historisches Lexikon Wien.
The City of Vienna digitized the encyclopedia in 2014. It became a database for the Vienna History Wiki. Czeike’s work continues to educate people. It preserves Vienna’s history for future generations.
In 1977, Czeike founded the Vienna branch. It was a branch of the Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft. The branch focused on urban history research. It integrated into the City and State Archives. He led it until his death.
From 1993 to 2003, he served as president. He was president of the Verein für Geschichte der Stadt Wien. In 1979, he became an associate professor. He taught at the University of Vienna. In 1985, the Federal President awarded him the title Hofrat.
Even after retirement, Czeike remained dedicated. He dedicated himself to the history of Vienna. His dedication made him a leading expert. He was an expert in Viennese history.
Czeike received several awards. He was honored for his contributions. He received the Ehrenzeichen für Verdienste um das Land Wien in 1986. In 1990, he received the Austrian Decoration for Science and Art. He also received the Ehrenmedaille der Bundeshauptstadt Wien in 1996. In 2002, he received the Preis der Stadt Wien für Volksbildung.
Felix Czeike’s legacy lives on. His books and publications remain essential resources. They are for anyone interested in Vienna’s past. His work ensures that Vienna’s rich history is never forgotten.
In 2016, Vienna honored Czeike. They named the Czeikestraße after him. It is in the 10th district of Vienna. It is a lasting tribute to his contributions.
So, as you stand here, remember Felix Czeike. He was the man who dedicated his life to Vienna’s story. He ensured that its history would endure for generations to come. His work makes him unforgettable.