Unfortunately, we have received word that our former assistant principal, Burkhard Kleinke, passed away suddenly on July 20, 2026—his 65th birthday.
Burkhard Kleinke served as assistant principal at the Werner-von-Siemens-Gymnasium from 2011 to 2024. There, he drew on his experience as a teacher of Latin and English, which he had previously gained during his twenty-year tenure at the Alexander-Hegius-Gymnasium in Ahaus. The foundation he laid there paved the way for his new position and role at our school, which he fulfilled with diligence and dedication.
In a nutshell, three things were particularly close to Burkhard Kleinke’s heart: instilling a love of learning in his students, preserving the high school education, and equipping them with values such as a sense of duty and punctuality as important guiding principles in life. Burkhard achieved this through his dry sense of humor, which reflected his Lübeck roots and which he had not lost even after more than thirty years in the Münsterland region.
It saddens us deeply that, toward the end of his career, Burkhard Kleinke had to contend with increasing health issues, which have now led to his sudden passing after just two years of retirement. May he rest in peace!
We wish his family—especially his wife, Regina, and his daughter, Sophie—much strength in the days ahead.
On behalf of the school community of the Werner-von-Siemens High School
Thomas Herden, Principal
Anja Walter, Teachers' Council
Timo Dinkelborg, Marlene Klaas, Student Council Representatives