Obituary for Rudolf Starzengruber / DZPG Munich-Augsburg Partner Site

Rudolf (“Rudi”) accompanied the German Center for Mental Health (DZPG) from its very inception, ensuring that the interests and perspectives of people living with mental illness remained at the heart of our work. His outstanding expertise, integrity, and warm and approachable manner enabled him to build bridges between researchers and people with lived experience. He was committed even to basic research and made important contributions to the development of model systems within the DZPG’s research infrastructures, for which we remain deeply grateful. Together with Antonia Wagner, he represented the Munich-Augsburg partner site on the DZPG’s Local Trialogical Board, where he also served for one year as the council’s representative for people with lived experience. Beyond this, he was actively involved in numerous infrastructures and working groups, bringing the perspectives of people with lived experience to all of these settings. Rudolf Starzengruber was indispensable to the success of the DZPG.

As a board member of the Bavarian Association of Psychiatric Survivors (Bayerischer Landesverband Psychiatrie Erfahrener e.V.) and the Federal Network for Self-Help in Mental Health (Bundesnetzwerk Selbsthilfe seelische Gesundheit, NetzG e.V.), as well as an EX-IN peer support worker and a member of the executive team responsible for EX-IN and peer work at the Upper Bavaria District Hospitals, Rudolf Starzengruber devoted his life to advocating for the rights and interests of people with disabilities. Since 2012, he had headed an independent psychiatric complaints service. Through his tireless work on committees and advisory bodies at both regional and national level, he earned a respected voice extending all the way into the political sphere. Drawing on his expertise and his deep personal commitment, he provided important impetus for the development of modern, participatory psychiatric care in Bavaria. In recognition of these achievements, he was awarded the Bavarian Ministry of Health and Care’s “Weißer Engel” (“White Angel”) distinction in 2023.

A native of Burghausen, Rudi impressed everyone with his empathy and mischievous sense of humour. He was unfailingly respectful and appreciative of others, and possessed a unique ability to mediate between people with lived experience, their families and carers, and professionals. He showed us by example that every human being deserves dignity, respect, and equal treatment.

We will miss Rudi dearly and will honour his memory.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Konrad Parish Church in Burghausen. The burial will follow at Burghausen Cemetery.