The State ceremony was held in the former German parliament chambers at the current World Congress Center Bonn (WCCB). German president Joachim Gauck had kind words for Genscher’s widow, Barbara Genscher whom he referred to as a “reliable support” to her husband and someone who contributed throughout his lifetime career. Gauck said it was a stroke of luck for Germany that Genscher decided to dedicate his life to politics. He played a pivotal role in easing East-West relations, making for a peaceful Europe. Working at the side of Helmut Kohl, he was a major leader and architect in German reunification.

While the ceremony in the WCCB was underway, people from the area around his hometown of Wachtberg and surrounding villages came to a local cemetery to sign their names in a book of condolences. Workers there prepared for his burial, and many magnificent wreathes were brought to the Gnadenkirche (Church of Grace) where a service would be held. Wreathes could be spotted from the German Chancellor, the Embassies of Poland and the Ukraine and from the GSG 9.

After the official ceremony, his remains were brought to the Gnadenkirche in Pech for a church service held by Pastor Kathrin Müller. This service was more personal and remembered Genscher as a family man. “It didn’t matter where he was,” said Müller, “he always kept in touch by phone - and this was in the times before we had cell phones.” She recalled how he spoked of his “beloved Wachtberg” but also his connection to Halle where he was born. The burial took place in the evening with close family members in attendance. He was laid to rest at the Rheinhöhenfriedhof in Wachtberg-Ließem. (Orig. text: Cem Akalin, Kai Pfundt, Maximillian Mühlens)