Funeral services for Herr Dr. Harry Schranz, beloved father of Yvonne’s friend Julia (from her host family) were held this afternoon. I debated with myself about posting the photo of the flowers and casket in the cemetery chapel. Yet the ceremony was so moving, and it was such a privilege to witness this intimate and powerful tribute, that I wanted those of you reading the posts to see something of the intense outpouring of love, affection, and admiration for this great man. Following the eulogy, we walked to the graveside, where a sudden rain shower obscured the priest’s words. Here, the traditional Austrian ‘ceremonial blessing of the earth,’ was observed. One by one, dozens of friends and family filed past, stopping to pay a last homage, tossing a flower onto the casket, then scattering a spoonful of soil over the flowers. The closing event, a celebration of High Mass, took place in the Kirche “Zur Heiligsten Dreifaltigkei” (Church of the Holiest Trinity, also known as “Wotrubakirche” after the architect, Fritz Wotruba). Harry and Christine, his widow, were married in this same church 17 years ago. Photos of the church, with its most unorthodox, striking architecture, can be viewed here. Photos of Dr. Schranz as founder and director of TrendCom Consulting can be seen here (in the black and white photo, Harry is on the left). May his soul be in peace forevermore.
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