Heinrich Krank, a prominent architect and longtime church steward who profoundly influenced religious and architectural life in Dorfen and the surrounding region, has died at the age of 91. Over his distinguished career, Krank was responsible for more than 3,400 church projects and numerous other buildings that left a lasting mark on the community.
Born on February 22, 1934, in Dorfen, Heinrich was the second of four sons to Anton and Ulrike Krank, who operated a building materials business and concrete manufacturing company in the town. His early life was marked by tragedy, including the premature death of his brother Helmut and the loss of his mother Ulrike in 1958, experiences that deeply shaped his character. He completed his entire education in Dorfen, and although his teacher recommended him for gymnasium after the war ended in 1945, the family's financial constraints and post-war circumstances prevented this opportunity.
In 1949, Krank began an apprenticeship as a carpenter with the Zehtner company in Dorfen, successfully completing his journeyman's certificate. From 1952 to 1956, he pursued studies in structural engineering and civil engineering at the State Building School in Munich, financing his education through part-time work in carpentry shops and architectural offices. This practical experience would prove invaluable throughout his career.
After graduation, Krank initially worked at the Hock architectural office in Dorfen and served as senior construction manager for Energieversorgung Ostbayern from 1958 to 1960. However, his true passion lay in freelance architectural work, which he pursued from 1956 to 2016. During this 60-year span, hundreds of residential and commercial buildings, factories, farms, and public structures in Dorfen and the surrounding area bore his distinctive architectural signature. He was particularly committed to sensitively integrating new constructions into existing architectural ensembles, preserving the character of historic neighborhoods.
Krank's most significant professional role came when he served as construction district manager in the building department of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising from October 1960 to June 1999. During his nearly 40-year tenure, approximately 3,400 churches, heritage-protected buildings, parish centers, rectories, and church kindergartens were renovated, modernized, or newly constructed under his supervision. He brought several important projects to fruition for the parishes of Maria Dorfen and Oberdorfen, demonstrating his deep commitment to his local community.
Beyond his professional architectural work, Krank dedicated himself to church service for 46 years total. He served 30 years as church steward of the subsidiary church of St. Peter and Paul in Hampersdorf and six years as general church steward for the parish of Maria Dorfen. His dual role as both architect and church administrator gave him unique insight into the practical and spiritual needs of religious communities.
Krank was equally devoted to his family life. In 1958, he met his future wife Hermine while dancing, and they married in 1960. Their daughter Martina was born in 1965, followed by granddaughter Annalena in 2002. Heinrich and Hermine enjoyed traveling together, with Vienna and South Tyrol being their favorite destinations. After Hermine's death in January 2019, ending their 58-year marriage, Krank found companionship with Heidi Mayer, who became his life partner.
Throughout his life, Krank maintained diverse interests including architecture, drawing, reading, writing, and traveling, though his granddaughter Annalena held a special place in his heart. He possessed remarkable artistic and creative talents, creating detailed drawings and intricately painted Easter eggs, while also writing lengthy letters and speeches. His creativity extended beyond visual arts into literary expression, reflecting his multifaceted personality.
Krank remained remarkably healthy and active until his 90th birthday, after which he suffered several strokes. His life partner Heidi Mayer moved to Hampersdorf to care for him with loving devotion during his final period. Even in his declining health, Krank maintained his characteristic wit and perspective on life. When doctors advised him to be patient during his recovery, he would respond with a smile: "I'm 90 years old – I don't have time to be patient anymore."
Heinrich Krank will be remembered as an architect who created lasting contributions to both church and community, a devoted family man, and someone who approached life with curiosity, creativity, and passion. His legacy lives on in the thousands of structures he designed and renovated, as well as in the countless lives he touched through his dedication to preserving and enhancing the spiritual and architectural heritage of his beloved Dorfen region.
