Walter Frankenstein, Who Hid from the Nazis All Over Berlin, Dies at 100

Walter Frankenstein, a remarkable Holocaust survivor, passed away on April 21, 2025, in Stockholm at the age of 100. His life story is a testament to resilience, love, and the enduring human spirit.

Born on June 30, 1924, in Flatow, Posen-West Prussia, Walter’s early years were marked by the rise of the Nazi regime. In 1936, at the age of 12, he was expelled from public school due to his Jewish heritage. Seeking education, he moved to Berlin, where he trained as a bricklayer at the Jewish community’s vocational school. It was during this time that he met Leonie Rosner, who would become his wife. Together, they had two sons: Peter-Uri, born in 1942, and Michael, born in 1944. (en.wikipedia.org)

As the Nazis intensified their persecution, Walter and Leonie made the courageous decision to go into hiding in 1943, shortly after the birth of their first son. They sought refuge in various places, including bombed-out buildings and the ruins of Berlin. Their second son, Michael, was born during this perilous period. Despite the constant threat of discovery, the family remained hidden for 25 months, surviving the horrors of the Holocaust. (jmberlin.de)

In 1945, as Berlin was liberated by the Soviet Red Army, Walter and his family emerged from hiding. Their children, Peter-Uri and Michael, were among the youngest of the 25 Jewish children who survived in Berlin. After the war, the family faced the challenges of rebuilding their lives. They emigrated to Palestine, which later became Israel, and Walter served in the Israeli War of Independence in 1948. (jmberlin.de)

In 1956, seeking new opportunities, the Frankenstein family relocated to Sweden. Walter pursued higher education, earning a degree in civil engineering. He worked as a structural engineer, specializing in nuclear power plants, and became a Swedish citizen. (en.wikipedia.org)

Throughout his later years, Walter was dedicated to Holocaust remembrance and education. He frequently spoke to schoolchildren, sharing his experiences to ensure that the atrocities of the past would not be forgotten. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2014. (jmberlin.de)

Walter Frankenstein’s life is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of remembering history. His story continues to inspire and educate, ensuring that the lessons of the past are passed on to future generations.