Karl Gatzen

Karl Gatzen (born July 6, 1921 in Kirchherten , † August 15, 1975 near Erkelenz ) was a German local politician and member of the Bundestag for the CDU .

Life and work

Gatzen was born as the son of and grandson of a farmer in Kirchherten (today Bedburg-Kirchherten). In 1939 he made his Abitur at the secondary school in Bedburg. From April to November 1939 did his labor service.

In January 1940 he enrolled at the University of Cologne to study philosophy, geography, geology, history and German studies with the aim of passing the state examination for a higher teaching post. On leave since the winter semester of 1941, he became a soldier in 1942. After a short American captivity, Gatzen was able to continue his studies in 1945. In October 1946 he was struck out of the matriculation due to non-re-registration. In the winter semester of 1946/47 he only studied as a guest student.

After that he worked as an independent insurance agent. He died on August 15, 1975 in a motorcycle accident near Erkelenz.

Political party

In 1956 Gatzen was elected to the council of his home parish and appointed mayor. He held this office until 1969. In 1961 he came to the district council and took over the office of chairman of the CDU parliamentary group. Three years later, Gatzen was also elected chairman of the Bergheim CDU district party.

MP

Gatzen was a member of the German Bundestag from 1969 to 1972. He was directly elected in the Bergheim constituency.