Ever wondered where Delmenhorst’s history silently resides? Here at Städtischer Friedhof Bungerhof, stories are etched in stone. This isn’t just a cemetery. It’s a park-like memorial. It reflects Delmenhorst’s past.
The Städtischer Friedhof Bungerhof began with a progressive idea. In 1902, ten city council members proposed a non-denominational cemetery. They wanted free burial plots for the poor. It took 27 years for this vision to materialize.
Between 1927 and 1929, the Städtischer Friedhof Bungerhof was created. Bremer garden architect Paul Freye designed it as a park cemetery. Initially, it spanned 4.5 hectares. Later, it expanded to 15 hectares. Freye also designed Waller Park in Bremen. He also designed Oslebshauser Park. Don’t forget Schlosspark Sebaldsbrück.
Look toward the brick chapel. Hamburger architect Fritz Höger designed it in 1929. It showcases North German Brick Expressionism. Höger also designed the Chilehaus in Hamburg. He also designed the Sprinkenhof. Here in Delmenhorst, he designed the Städtische Krankenhaus. He even designed the Friedhofskapelle on Wildeshauser Strasse. Funeral services take place in the main room. A smaller room is also used. Side rooms serve as display areas.
Note the administrative building. Built in 1930, it originally housed offices. It also had an apartment for the caretaker. After a 2002 renovation, it only contains office space.
The Städtischer Friedhof Bungerhof serves as a memorial. Gedenkstätten honor victims of fascism and war. There is one for the children and teachers of the Park School. They died in a 1943 bombing. The air raid hit Delmenhorst. Wreaths are laid at the tomb of Russian soldiers.
The Städtischer Friedhof Bungerhof also holds somber reminders of war. 157 victims of war and tyranny rest here. This includes 40 German soldiers and civilians. Many children died in an air raid. It struck the railway facilities on October 8, 1943. 127 prisoners of war are buried here. Also buried are forced laborers from Eastern Europe. They worked in Delmenhorst’s armaments and railway factories.
Otto Gratzki is buried here. He was a teacher who resisted Nazism.
Around the year 2000, two Islamic burial fields were established here. The Delbus lines 205, 206, and 215 serve the Städtischer Friedhof Bungerhof.
As you leave the Städtischer Friedhof Bungerhof, remember its layers of history. It reflects compassion, remembrance, and architectural significance. It is a place where Delmenhorst remembers its past.