Deep in Steglitz Cemetery lies Reinhold Kraetke. Have you ever wondered who he was? Reinhold Kraetke served as State Secretary of the Reich Postal Service. He held this position from May 4, 1901, to August 8, 1917. No one in the history of the German postal service has held the position longer.
Reinhold Kraetke’s journey began on October 11, 1845. He was born in Berlin. His father, Carl Wilhelm Kraetke, crafted musical instruments. His grandfather served as a cantor and school teacher. He lived in Grou00df-Barnim east of Wriezen. Kraetke attended the Ku00f6nigstu00e4dtisches Realgymnasium in Berlin. He joined the postal service as a Posteleve on October 7, 1864.
In 1868, Reinhold Kraetke passed the exam to become a Postpraktikant. In 1873, he passed the higher administrative examination. He volunteered for military service with the Kaiser Alexander Garde Grenadier Regiment in Berlin in 1868 and 1869.
Kraetke’s career advanced. By 1874, he was a Postinspektor in Berlin. He was an official in the higher service. In 1878, he worked in Du00fcsseldorf. In 1879, Stephan sent him to the USA. His mission was to study the American transport system.
In 1881, Reinhold Kraetke became a Postrat. He simultaneously joined the Reich Postal Office. In 1882, he rose to Oberpostrat. By 1884, he was Geheimer Postrat and Vortragender Rat. In 1887, he became Geheimer Oberpostrat. During his time in the Reich Postal Office, he helped set up the Reichspostdampfer lines. He also dealt with the colonial postal service.
From March 1, 1888, to October 31, 1889, Kraetke was Landeshauptmann in the protectorate of the New Guinea Company. He returned to the Reich Postal Office in Berlin in 1890. In 1897, he became Director of the 1st Department. Finally, on May 4, 1901, he became State Secretary.
Reinhold Kraetke opened the World Radio Conference in the Berlin Reichstag on October 3, 1906. In 1911, Kraetke became a member of the Prussian House of Lords. In 1912, he received lifetime membership. He retired on August 8, 1917.
During his time as head of the postal and telecommunications system, several innovations were introduced. These included postal checking services and the introduction of postal vehicles for passenger transport. Airships and airplanes began to carry mail. The Postprotest procedure, the postal identity card, the reply coupon, and the postal letter of credit were introduced. He initiated voting technology and the construction of the German long-distance cable network.
Reinhold Kraetke traveled extensively. He visited major European countries, the United States, Australia, British India, and Dutch India. In 1891, he joined the Colonial Council.
Reinhold Kraetke died in his birthplace on April 14, 1934. He was 88 years old. He rests in the family grave at Steglitz Cemetery.
Reinhold Kraetke received an honorary doctorate. The Kraetkestrau00dfe in Friedrichsfelde and Kaulsdorf are named after him. The Kraetke Mountains in Papua New Guinea also bear his name. A ship built in 1905 was named Staatssekretu00e4r Kraetke in his honor. His legacy remains.