Merkur Founder Paul Gauselmann Honored at Memorial Service in Germany

More than 600 invited guests gathered at Benkhausen Castle to bid farewell to Paul Gauselmann. Family members, friends and colleagues joined representatives from politics, business, the gaming industry, clubs and associations, as well as employees of the Merkur Group. The courtyard, decorated with flowers, wreaths, mourning flags and portraits of Gauselmann, provided the setting for the memorial service. The ceremony was also streamed live for Merkur Group employees.

Paul Gauselmann passed away on August 21, shortly before his 92nd birthday. He founded the Merkur Group as a one-man operation and, during 67 years at its helm, developed it into an internationally active group with more than 15,000 employees.

A Life Defined by Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement

Speakers paid tribute to Gauselmann’s entrepreneurial achievements, social commitment and influence on people in the region. They recalled his support for hospitals, schools, kindergartens, fire brigades and local clubs.

They also highlighted the different sides of his personality: family man, entrepreneur, politically engaged figure, regional supporter, tennis partner and Doppelkopf player.

Michael Gauselmann Shares Personal Memories

The memorial service opened with remarks by Michael Gauselmann, chairman of the supervisory board of the Merkur Group, who shared personal insights into his relationship with his father.

He described how Paul Gauselmann took on different roles depending on the situation, from family man to entrepreneur. One of his father’s lessons remained particularly memorable: “Only an idea that is implemented is a good idea,” Michael Gauselmann recalled.

He said his father’s philosophy could be summed up as: “Not talking, but doing.”

Longtime Companions Recall His Entrepreneurial Spirit

Manfred Stoffers, Vice Chairman of the Management Board of the Merkur Group and one of Gauselmann’s closest confidants, moderated the memorial service. He recalled meeting Gauselmann 42 years ago and introduced the speakers with personal anecdotes.

Lars Felderhoff, spokesperson for the Merkur Group, placed Gauselmann’s entrepreneurial achievements in context. He said the company would not exist without his courage, dedication and tenacity, describing him as a “brilliant tinkerer, visionary, and designer.”

Felderhoff also highlighted Gauselmann’s energy and constant drive, noting that “Stagnation was not an option.” He added that the success of “PG,” as Gauselmann was respectfully known, could be measured not only in figures but “also in the people he shaped.”

Political Engagement and Industry Influence

Gauselmann was also remembered as a politically engaged and outspoken figure who sought dialogue. Manfred Stoffers described him as a “fighter for freedom,” while Hermann Otto Solms, former Vice President of the Bundestag and longtime FDP member of parliament, recalled decades of dialogue and mutual respect.

“Paul Gauselmann always wanted to bring the industry out of the gray area,” Solms said.

Georg Stecker, spokesman for the German arcade industry, also highlighted Gauselmann’s contribution to the sector, describing him as “a tech enthusiast and a doer.”

A Strong Connection to North Rhine-Westphalia

Anna Katharina Bölling, President of the Detmold administrative district, represented the North Rhine-Westphalia state government at the ceremony.

“North Rhine-Westphalia has lost a visionary entrepreneur,” she said, highlighting Gauselmann’s support for hospitals, schools, kindergartens and clubs across the region.

She also recalled her personal meetings with the entrepreneur, saying: “He was not only a good speaker but also a good listener. Not many people have that.”

A Lasting Commitment to the Local Community

Ali Doğan, district administrator of the Minden-Lübbecke district, emphasized Gauselmann’s contribution to the local community, calling him “a true pillar of society.”

The Mühlenkreiskliniken were among the institutions that repeatedly received financial support. Espelkamp Mayor Dr. Henning Vieker and Lübbecke Mayor Philipp Knappmeyer also highlighted Gauselmann’s connection to his hometown.

Gauselmann was an honorary citizen of both towns. During his lifetime, he donated more than €8.7 million to Espelkamp and provided more than €5 million in funding to Lübbecke.

Tennis and Doppelkopf: A More Personal Side

Friends and fellow club members also remembered Gauselmann away from the business world. Erhard Schiffner, captain of the Espelkamp-Mittwald men’s 75 tennis team, spoke about his passion for tennis and his team spirit.

As long as he was able, Gauselmann regularly played tennis and spent time with his teammates. Arthur Plate recalled their monthly Doppelkopf games, saying: “His schedule was always arranged with tennis and Doppelkopf in mind. And true friendships were formed.”

A Passion for Life Beyond Business

These personal memories highlighted another side of Paul Gauselmann: alongside his work ethic and ambition, he also valued friendship, competition and the enjoyment of games.

As Manfred Stoffers summarized: “Paul Gauselmann was not only a great game-maker, but also a passionate player himself.”