As the year 2025 draws to a close, Munich reflects on the lives of several beloved personalities who passed away, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s vibrant tapestry. From legendary actors and sports icons to culinary pioneers and cultural luminaries, their absence is deeply felt by the community they enriched.
A Fond Farewell to Horst Janson: An Actor’s Last Bow
On January 28, 2025, Munich lost a true acting giant, Horst Janson, at the age of 89. The beloved “Sesamstraße” star passed away after two severe strokes, with doctors at Munich’s Harlaching Clinic unable to save him. His widow, Hella Ruthardt (76), shared poignant details of his final moments: “We told him stories, stroked his head, kissed and hugged him.” She found herself having to let him go, even though “it tears my heart apart.” Fellow actress Michaela May (73) publicly mourned Janson, writing on Instagram: “Dear Horst, fair winds and calm seas on your endless journey.” They had worked together on the series “Zwei Halbe sind noch lange kein Ganzes” in 1993.
Babsi, the Wiesn Icon, Remembered for Her Warmth
February 14, 2025, brought the sad news of the passing of Barbara Stadlhuber, affectionately known as “Wiesn-Babsi,” at 49, after a battle with colon cancer. The mother of three became famous as a beloved waitress at the Hofbräuzelt, with a 2005 photo of her carrying eight Maßkrugs circulating globally. Hofbräu landlady Silja Steinberg expressed her sorrow, stating, “She was the face of our tent. Her passing is truly terrible, especially as she leaves behind three children.”
Antje-Katrin Kühnemann: A Life Dedicated to Health
The TV world bid farewell to a significant figure on March 3, 2025, as Antje-Katrin Kühnemann, the health expert, passed away at 80 after a long illness. She hosted “Die Sprechstunde” on Bavarian Television from 1973 to 2007. Her housekeeper confirmed to AZ that Kühnemann “peacefully fell asleep” in her home on Tegernsee. “Finally, her wish to be relieved of her pain was granted,” the housekeeper said, noting Kühnemann’s desire to be reunited with her late husband, Jörg Gühring, who passed in 2021.
Rolf Schimpf: The “Old Man” of German Television
On March 22, 2025, Rolf Schimpf, the star of the ZDF crime series “Der Alte” from 1986 to 2007, passed away peacefully at 100 in a Munich retirement home. The TV legend, who suffered from dementia, was laid to rest alongside his wife, Ilse Zielstorff, who died in 2015.
Inge Grandl: A Gastronomic Visionary
Munich’s culinary scene mourned the loss of Inge Grandl, 68, in mid-April 2025. Together with her husband Hans, she transformed P1 into a trendy hotspot in the early 80s, later running the Park-Café and other famous Munich establishments. She also owned an elegant vintage shop near Viktualienmarkt. Inge Grandl passed away in her husband’s arms, with frantic attempts to revive her proving unsuccessful.
Werner Lorant: The Coach Who Left a Legacy
Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, saw the passing of Werner Lorant, 76, the legendary former coach of TSV 1860 Munich. Lorant achieved the remarkable feat of leading the third-division team to the Bundesliga in the 1990s. The club expressed its deep sorrow, stating, “The entire ‘Löwen’ family is in deep mourning. Werner Lorant was a coaching legend. He left deep traces with the Lions. Our condolences go to his family. Rest in peace.”
Marianne Fürstin zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn: The “Mamarazza”
Marianne Fürstin zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, known as “Mamarazza,” the society photographer, passed away peacefully in Munich on May 4, 2025, at the age of 105. Born in Salzburg, she made Munich her home after marrying Ludwig Prinz zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn.
Friederike Kreutzkamm: A Sweet Legacy
The traditional Munich confectionery Kreutzkamm mourned the loss of its senior boss, Friederike Kreutzkamm, 92, who passed away on June 14, surrounded by her family. She took over the family business in 1981 and handed it over to her daughter in 2018. She was buried in the Munich Nordfriedhof.
Fritz Eichbauer: The Visionary Behind Tantris
Fritz Eichbauer, the founder of Tantris, a visionary who brought sophisticated fine dining to Munich, passed away on June 19, 2025, at 97. His renowned restaurant, opened in 1971, marked the beginning of Michelin-starred gastronomy in the Bavarian capital. Today, Tantris is run by his son, Felix.
Ringo Praetorius: The Oktoberfest Executioner
Ringo Praetorius, known throughout Munich as a bartender, bouncer, bon vivant, and charmer, passed away on July 8. His role as the white-faced executioner at the Schichtl on Oktoberfest made him an iconic figure. His true age remained a secret, as he would always dryly reply, “I’m about seventy-five.”
Otto Altweck: A Cycling Star’s Final Lap
On August 9, 2025, Munich’s cycling community mourned the loss of one of its great stars, Otto Altweck, who passed away at 88. The Munich native discovered his passion for cycling early and even competed in the Tour de France in 1959.
Arthur Brauss: A Peaceful Departure
Actor Arthur Brauss, 89, peacefully passed away in his Munich apartment on August 29, 2025. The adopted Münchner was known for numerous film and television roles, including the series “Großstadtrevier.” His grieving widow told the German Press Agency, “That is my only comfort: that he did not have to suffer.”
Eckart Freiherr von Luttitz: The “Duck Baron”
Eckart Freiherr von Luttitz, 78, known nationwide as a breeder of ducks and geese, passed away on September 29, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Uschi Dämmrich von Luttitz, and their two children. His widow lovingly stated, “Eckart von Luttitz leaves behind not only an impressive life’s work but also many people who will remember him as an extraordinary personality and a valued friend.”
Klaus Doldinger: A Jazz Legend’s Swan Song
The German music scene suffered a great loss on October 16, 2025, with the passing of jazz musician Klaus Doldinger, 89, in his home in Icking near Munich. The gifted saxophonist was also a renowned composer, with his most famous works including the soundtracks for “Das Boot,” “The NeverEnding Story,” and the theme song for “Tatort.” Singer Udo Lindenberg mourned his “good friend” and “first great mentor” on social media, writing, “You were often a great teacher to me, a true pioneer, and even now you have gone ahead of us.”
Dieter Weidenfeld: The Schlager Pioneer
Music producer and manager Dieter Weidenfeld, 95, who helped numerous stars achieve breakthroughs, passed away on November 1, 2025, in Munich. The Cologne native lived for Schlager music and is credited with discovering Howard Carpendale, among others. His daughter Natalie confirmed his passing to the German Press Agency. Weidenfeld remained active professionally until 2024, managing singer Matthias Reim and working with stars like Klausjürgen Wussow, Rex Gildo, and Abi Ofarim throughout his career.
Alice and Ellen Kessler: Inseparable to the End
On November 17, news of the passing of the famous Kessler twins, Alice and Ellen, shocked Munich society. At 89, they chose assisted suicide, closing their eyes forever in their Grünwald home. The Kessler twins were world-renowned, admired by stars like Elvis and Frank Sinatra, and performed in the US, France, and Italy. Their farewell was quiet, with no friends or prominent companions invited to their burial, as per their wishes.
Munich remembers these remarkable individuals, whose contributions to the city’s cultural, social, and artistic landscape will not be forgotten. Their stories will continue to resonate, reminding us of the rich lives they led and the legacies they left behind.
Source: https://www.abendzeitung-muenchen.de/promis/grosse-trauer-in-muenchen-diese-promis-sind-2025-verstorben-art-1051145
