Eric Wrede, Fee Vogel: Jeder Mensch kann trauern

This book explores a topic that affects everyone sooner or later: grief. The authors challenge the widespread notion that grief is a problem that must be dealt with or overcome as quickly as possible. Instead, they describe grief as a natural reaction to loss and as an expression of love and connection.

From a perspective that is both empathetic and clear, Fee Vogel and Eric Wrede explain how grief affects our thoughts, feelings, and bodies. They show why there is no “right” way to grieve and why many common notions—such as rigid stage models of grief—often fail to do justice to the individual experiences of those affected. In doing so, they focus not only on the personal level but also on society. They ask how we treat people who are grieving, why grief is often treated as a taboo, and what responsibilities communities, families, and circles of friends bear when people experience a loss. Drawing on experiences, observations, and insights from their work, the authors make it clear that grief does not mean the end of joy in life or the future. Rather, it can become a part of one’s own life that one can learn to cope with without having to let go of the memory of loved ones.

The result is an honest, accessible, and encouraging book about loss, love, and the human capacity to carry on living even after severe blows of fate. It invites readers to view grief not as a weakness or a shortcoming, but as an essential part of the human experience.

Eric Wredeis Germany’s most influential funeral director and grief counselor. Before founding “Lebensnah Bestattungen” (Berlin, Leipzig, Bonn, Potsdam), he was a music manager. He is also an author, podcaster, and sought-after media guest. His book *The End* became a bestseller and was adapted into a film by ZDF titled *Dying for Beginners*. The long-form documentary *Death Is an Asshole*, which chronicles his work, was released in German theaters in 2025 as one of the most successful documentaries of the year. He writes regularly as an expert and columnist for *Der Spiegel*, *Focus*, and the *Berliner Zeitung*.

Fee Vogelis an author, funeral director, and bereavement culture specialist. As a funeral director and grief counselor (BVT), she supports people during times of loss. She is a co-founder and managing director of “lebensnah Bestattungen” in Bonn and a founding partner of “trauerkultur3,” a consulting firm specializing in grief in the workplace. As a founding member ofCaring Community Köln e. V., she leads the “Children, Youth & School” working group.

 In cooperation with the Erfurt cemetery clown Finovo as part of theErfurt Cemetery Culture Days 2026and the Catholic Forum of Thuringia

Venue: Main Cemetery/ Large Funeral Hall