Members of the Werder and footballing community, along with relatives and friends, gathered at the Bremen Cathedral on Friday to remember Wilfried 'Willi' Lemke. Amongst those in attendance were those that knew Lemke from his many years as the sporting director and chairman of the supervisory board at SV Werder Bremen, as well as politicians and public figures from the city of Bremen and from around Germany as well.
"The past days have been marked by sorrow," were how Dr. Hubertus Hess-Grunewald, president and chairman of the SV Werder supervisory board, opened his address at the memorial service. The news of Willi Lemke's sudden passing at the age of 77 on Monday, 12th August, came as a shock for the entire Werder family. "You were our 'Werder Willi," said Hess-Grunewald. "The impact he had on Werder and Bremen as a whole is clear to see here the cathedral today and beyond."
Lemke helped shape a successful era at Werder over the course of his nearly two decades at the club in a management role. He also spent nine years as a senator for the Social Democratic Party in Bremen, before taking up a position as a Special Advisor to the United Nations. Friday's memorial service was attended by those who knew Lemke well from his time at the club, such as Ailton, Rune Bratseth, Klaus Allofs and Thomas Schaaf, as well as the club's current sporting management.
Lemke was appointed sporting director of the Green-Whites in 1981 after having spent several years prior as the managing director of the Social Democratic Party's state association for Bremen. Lemke worked closely together for many years with Otto Rehhagel and together, they helped build SV Werder's reputation as one of the best teams in Germany during the 1980s and 1990s. "That was the most successful era in the club's history. An incredible era, during which I was able to spend five years as a player under Willi," recalled former SVW striker and current DFB sporting director, Rudi Völler. "I only have positive memories of him and we remained in touch."
Klaus Allofs, who was brought to Bremen by Lemke in 1990 from France and went on to win the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1992 and the Bundesliga title in 1993 with the team, also spoke fondly of Lemke. "I always appreciated his brash and outspoken manner. He always knew how to put the spotlight on himself and on Werder Bremen. He took this club to new heights and despite being a tough negotiator, always made sure that Werder felt like a family. I was also able to learn a lot from him."
Today, we say goodbye to a legend of our club and city ????️
— SV Werder Bremen EN (@werderbremen_en) August 23, 2024
Rest in peace, Willi Lemke! ????#werderpic.twitter.com/dFboOZdUvN
Willi Lemke was a pioneer – whether on issues such as equality or having child mascots at games, Lemke was someone who was committed to helping others, off the pitch as well. That was his main motivation, especially after he returned to local politics following his time as sporting director at SV Werder, dedicating nine years to his position as an SPD senator and then later as a Special Advisor to the United Nations. "Doing good was what motivated him," said Pastor Esther Jonas during her sermon. In addition to close family friend Oliver Rau, former vice-chancellor and SPD politician Sigmar Gabriel also delivered a eulogy, highlighting Lemke's commitment, energy and fighting spirit.
The memorial service ended with a rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone." It was an emotional farewell from SV Werder and the footballing community to a true legend of both the club and the city.
