PAUL GAUSELMANN MEMORIAL SERVICE
Moving Farewell to Paul Gauselmann at Benkhausen Castle
Around 600 invited guests attended the memorial service for Paul Gauselmann at Benkhausen Castle
Michael Gauselmann shared some very personal insights with those present
The opening was made by Michael Gauselmann. The chairman of the supervisory board of the Merkur Group gave 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 especially memorable: “Only an idea that is implemented is a good idea,” Michael Gauselmann reported. He had repeated this sentence in many conversations with employees years later. “Not talking, but doing,” summed up Michael Gauselmann the message his father gave to his son.
M
ore than 600 invited guests bid farewell to Paul Gauselmann at Benkhausen Castle. In addition to family members, friends and companions, numerous representatives from politics, business, the industry, as well as clubs and associations were present, as were employees of the Merkur Group. The decorated courtyard with flowers, wreaths, mourning flags, and portraits of Paul Gauselmann framed the memorial service. To allow the staff of the group to follow the ceremony, it was streamed live. Paul Gauselmann passed away on August 21—shortly before his 92nd birthday. He founded the Merkur Group as a one-man operation and, over 67 years at the helm, developed it into an internationally successful group with currently more than 15,000 employees.
The speakers praised Paul Gauselmann’s entrepreneurial life achievement, his social engagement, and his impact on many people. They recalled his support for hospitals, schools, kindergartens, fire brigades, and clubs in the region. At the same time, they described him as a person who listened, took others seriously, gave impulses, and shaped his environment.
12 OCTOBER 2026
Thus, different facets became visible: the family man, the entrepreneur, the politically active figure, the regional supporter, the tennis partner, and the Doppelkopf player.
As one of Paul Gauselmann’s closest confidants, Manfred Stoffers, Vice Chairman of the Management Board of the Merkur Group, moderated the memorial service. He recounted how he met the deceased 42 years ago, guided the ceremony, and introduced the speakers with personal anecdotes. Lars Felderhoff placed Paul Gauselmann’s entrepreneurial achievement in context. The spokesperson for the Merkur Group stated that the company would not exist without his courage, dedication, and tenacity, and praised him as a “brilliant tinkerer, visionary, and designer.” He also highlighted his energy and restlessness: “Stagnation was not an option.” At the same time, Felderhoff emphasized that
Alongside his family, numerous colleagues from the worlds of politics, business and the gaming industry were also present
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