Waiting for the last rest: Cologne family fights for burial in the columbarium

Waiting for the last rest: Cologne family fights for burial in the columbarium

delays in burials in the Cologne columbarium: Ursula Huf feels abandoned

In Cologne-Weiß, the unbroken demand for Alternative funeral forms ensures conversation. However, a family faces an emotional dilemma: Ursula Huf expresses her resentment about the delays in the burial of her late mother -in -law. The deceased, who did the last breath in March, had explicitly spoken out against earth burial. Instead, she wanted a resting place in a columbarium, an increasingly popular place of memory and grief. The thought that the mother -in -law's urn has been linging the undertaker for over six weeks has been merged into a bitter reality for the bereaved. In this case, the burials in the new columbarium should actually take place in the old mourning hall, but the construction project is plagued by delays. The opening was originally planned for 2023, but those responsible met with bureaucratic hurdles and technical problems, such as defective window panes and water input, which have so far stopped

How the Rundschau Online , not only the hoofs are faced with the problem that their funeral has been moved several times. At the end of April to mid -May and now on June 13th. Michael Brodesser, a local undertaker, confirmed that numerous other urns are also waiting for their burial. The information deficit on the part of the responsible authorities ensures incomprehension and displeasure among relatives who want more communication and support in this difficult time. Ursula Huf and her family have therefore sent a letter to the mayor, but have so far not received an answer.

The challenge of funeral culture

The funeral culture in Germany is noticeably changing - this is not only shown by the case of the Huf. Columbaries, which as modern resting places are becoming increasingly important, offer numerous advantages. They are particularly popular in urban areas because they represent a space -saving solution. As the mymoria , the burial in a columbarium is not only considered cost -effective, but also no high care costs that are often connected to traditional graves. The urns are kept in small niches that fit well into the cemetery landscape.

Despite the practical advantages, columbaries are not without pitfalls. The scope for design is limited - not every relative can give the place of grief a personal touch. In addition, some are given an emotional distance in the burial. The burial in the columbarium requires fire burial, which some families presents before a decision - is that the right choice for your loved ones?

A look at the story

The columbarium has a long story that goes back to ancient times. Already in the Roman Empire, these burial sites were found, which were mostly used as an inexpensive alternative for slaves and socially weak at the time. As the page at the end of life , columbaries in the 20th century have been rediscovered, especially since the climbing of the fire burials. Today many appreciate the advantages of this form of funeral: space saving, lower follow -up costs and a well -kept resting place. Nevertheless, the bereaved must be prepared to deal with the possible emotions and the lack of individual design options.

The Hufs report according to whether they should move the funeral to another columbarium, for example in Bonn. So the question remains: How will the departure of the deceased mother -in -law continue and what perspectives does the family have while waiting for answers and solutions in this difficult time?