German towns honor retiring church secretary and veteran teacher with farewell ceremonies

In the parish of Merkendorf and Hirschlach, Pfarrer Thomas Meinders retired long‑time parish office secretary Gabriele Knoll after nearly ten years of service. The ceremony highlighted her start in 2017 as a replacement for Renate Derr, her work alongside colleague Birgit Ammon, and her dedication to the community. Meinders presented Knoll with two rose bouquets, and she and her husband will spend retirement in Uffenheim. Silke Schmelzer has already taken over her duties.

At Mariengymnasium in Bocholt, long‑standing teacher Klaus Kohlgrüber was honored as he left after teaching biology, history and Catholic religion since 2006. The farewell featured applause, speeches by school principal Ruth Sonntag and deputy Maren Lucas, and memories of his humor and commitment to school life. Fellow staff member Frederik Steenblock also received thanks after ten years before moving to a nearby school. Both events concluded with refreshments and personal good‑byes.