It is with great sadness that we inform the Rhodes University community of the passing of Dr Werner Krueger. He worked in the German Studies section of the School of Languages and Literatures (formerly the German Department) at Rhodes University for over 30 years and was Head of German Studies from 1997 to 2007. He was a mentor to many staff and students and gladly imparted his vast knowledge of German language, culture and literature, as well as of translation studies, being a certified translator himself.

Dr Krueger was born in Namibia in 1943, attended Rhodes University, and, while being employed there later, completed his PhD on the œvre of Hans Erich Nossack in 1981. Werner Krueger was afforded various research scholarships by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Goethe Institute. Dr Krueger’s research may have had a focus on the topics of denial and negativity in German literature, but he employed exclusively positive energy to grow his small department and made it possible for many throughout the decades to experience the German language and culture first-hand in international staff and student exchanges, especially with the University of Duisburg-Essen. When the various language departments at Rhodes were joined into the School of Languages and Literatures in 1997, Werner Krueger contributed significantly to a meaningful structuring and cohesion of the newly-formed academic entity.

Dr Werner Krueger died on Monday, 3^rd June 2019. He is survived by his wife Therese, his daughter Deborah and his son Stefan. He was a much-liked, respected and gifted lecturer and colleague, and we shall miss him.

Dr. Undine S. Weber

Head of German Studies

Rhodes University

Last Modified: Thu, 06 Jun 2019 10:08:38 SAST