Remembrance Event Filled with Operatic Echoes
Vienna-Döbling villa bids farewell to Austrian entrepreneur, Richard "Mörtel" Lugner (1932-2024), on August 12, at 91. A poignant Instagram post confirmed his tranquil departure.
August 31, Austria will bid adieu to its groundbreaking figure. A solemn farewell ceremony at St. Stephen's Cathedral and a private burial are planned.
8 AM - Public Exit and Vigil
As reported by Austrian media sources, Lugner's final public outing begins at 8 AM. His casket, accompanied by family members, will be transported via the main entrance, Riesentor, into St. Stephen's Cathedral.
His signature Opernball top hat will adorn the casket, as requested. Security guard Christian Loeschnigg, famed for his long-standing protection of Lugner and his esteemed Opernball attendees, will safeguard the vigil.
News outlets have invited "all Viennese, all of Austria, and beyond" to pay their silent tributes to Lugner.
9 AM - Memorial Service
The memorial ceremony commences at 9 AM. Dompfarrer Toni Faber will welcome the crowd. Notable personalities, including politicians and actress Edith Leyrer, will deliver speeches. Austrian rock musician Dennis Jale will perform personalized renditions of "Always on my Mind" and "Candle in the Wind", songs ordinarily penned by Sir Elton John for Marilyn Monroe and later reworked for Princess Diana.
10 AM - Procession from the Cathedral
The casket, accompanied by the Fächerpolonaise melody, a nod to the Opernball, departs the cathedral at 10 AM. Outside the church, the Radetzkymarsch plays.
Under the tolling of St. Stephen's bells, the casket is placed into the hearse, initiating the public funeral procession.
Funeral procession through Vienna - Approximately 10:30 AM at the State Opera
The hearse, accompanied by other vehicles, sets off towards "Lugner's two largest stages". The procession is expected to arrive at the Vienna State Opera around 10:30 AM. The route culminates at the Lugner City shopping center, with an expected conclusion time of 11:45 AM, marking the end of the public funeral proceedings.
An online condolence book has been made available for condolences and messages of sympathy. Notable signatories include US actress Priscilla Presley and Italian actress Ornella Muti, who words of condolences: "With a heavy heart, I learned of Richard Lugner's demise. This extraordinary character has departed, leaving his mark in various ways. He was an exceptional dancer and a gentleman of the old school. His warmth and humor have garnered him friends and admirers not only in Austria, but far beyond."
Following the public ceremony, the Lugner family will hold a private burial for the businessman, who most recently wed in June 2024. He will be laid to rest in a crypt at the Grinzing Cemetery in Vienna-Döbling, after a private funeral service at the Kaasgraben church.
The family has requested privacy and media respect, as well as selected the approximately 200 invited guests prior to Lugner's passing. For up-to-date information about the ceremonies, follow Lugner's family on Instagram.
After the public funeral service, share your memories of the Austrian entrepreneur on Instagram. Reminisce about your favorite stories or moments involving Lugner, and leave comments to express your condolences. "[Instagram is a great platform to start.]"
[Article organized for clarity and readability, without directly referencing the original structure]
