Lugner bid farewell in St. Stephen’s Cathedral – wien.ORF.at

At the start, a visibly moved cathedral priest Toni Faber made it clear in St. Stephen’s Cathedral that this was not the beginning of Richard Lugner’s canonization. Rather, it was a big thank you to his life’s work. God loves all who seek. And Lugner had searched for a lot in his life. He had longed for love, but also for God’s blessing, and often explicitly asked for it. Faber: “We are all master builders of our own house of life. But often some things remain unfinished. May God complete everything that was unfinished in your life.”

Hofer: “Builder of society”

The third President of the National Council, Norbert Hofer (FPÖ), a personal friend of Lugner, then emphasized in his speech the many sides of Lugner as a successful entrepreneur, as a loving family man and loyal friend. Lugner lived with unshakable energy and enriched life in Vienna and Austria: “You not only created buildings, but places where people enjoy life,” said Hofer. Lugner had the ability to make the impossible possible.

“You were also a builder of society. Thanks to your efforts, the Opera Ball has become a much more media-effective event,” Hofer continued. This is proof of Lugner’s influence on society: “You never lost the joy of life. You were Mörtel – always down to earth despite all your successes.”

Wilfing: “Made many things more colorful”

Karl Wilfing, President of the Lower Austrian State Parliament and a friend of Lugner, emphasized his legendary loyalty and handshake skills, which were the cornerstones of his personality: “In this hour of mourning, his friends and critics bow respectfully.” His view of humanity made Lugner so important. He liked people and always mingled with them, regardless of whether they were educated or what background they came from. Lugner approached them and showed interest in them.

Lugner was a special builder who was not above any work: “Lugner was an extraordinary person who enriched our lives with his life and made many things more colorful,” said Wilfing. Richard Lugner was something very special. He took part in our lives almost every day because he was an Austrian and Viennese original. He was also a seeker of recognition, harmony, peace and security. “Today we hope that he finds this peace and security in the arms of his master,” said Wilfing.

“Candle in the Wind” and Radetzky March

Between the eulogies, Dennis Jade sang “Always on My Mind” and a version of the song “Candle in the Wind” specially adapted for the master builder. At the end, there was an “Our Father” and a silent prayer from the mourners. Lugner’s coffin was brought out of the cathedral to the sounds of the fan polonnaise to which the debutante couples entered the ballroom at the Opera Ball.

Numerous people gathered in front of the cathedral

At exactly 8:00 a.m., the funeral car carrying Richard Lugner’s coffin, accompanied by an escort of Harley-Davidson riders, stopped in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The coffin in “Lugner red” was brought into St. Stephen’s Cathedral, flanked by the Lugner family. The media interest was enormous, with numerous TV teams and photographers present. There was also a large police presence.

Hundreds of people waited in front of the cathedral, some wearing “Gemma Lugner schaun” T-shirts, others even in tailcoats and top hats in reference to Lugner’s Opera Ball engagement. A little later, the giant gate in St. Stephen’s Cathedral was opened so that the public could say goodbye to Lugner’s coffin during the memorial service that followed. As Lugner had wished before his death, a top hat – one of the Opera Ball star’s trademarks – was placed on the coffin.

Car convoy stops at Lugner’s worksites

The musical finale was the “Radetzky March” played in front of the church. Afterwards, Lugner’s coffin was lifted into the hearse to the sound of the cathedral bells. The motorcade then headed to Lugner’s biggest stages. The route first leads to the State Opera and then to Lugner City until around 11.45 a.m. The public part of the funeral service ends in the shopping center. However, it will still be possible to sign the condolence book available there.

Burial in Döbling

After the public funeral ceremony, Lugner will be buried in a crypt at the Grinzinger Cemetery in Döbling, surrounded by his closest family and friends. The entrepreneur himself chose the approximately 200 invited guests before his death.