Farewell to “Puschtra Bui” Sepp Forer in Ladis
- LADIS, Italy – The South Tyrolean Schützenbund (riflemen association) joined community members and politicians to commemorate the life of south Tyrolean freedom fighter Sepp Forer at his funeral...
- Pastor Willi Pfurtscheller, during the sermon, recognized Forer's dedication to the cause of South Tyrol's freedom, acknowledging the sacrifices he made and the risks he undertook.
- Following the service, a procession consisting of hundreds of riflemen and friends accompanied Forer's remains through Ladis.
South Tyrol Honors Freedom Fighter Sepp Forer at Funeral
LADIS, Italy – The South Tyrolean Schützenbund (riflemen association) joined community members and politicians to commemorate the life of south Tyrolean freedom fighter Sepp Forer at his funeral on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Forer, who hailed from Mühlen in Taufers, was remembered for his activism in the 1960s.
Pastor Willi Pfurtscheller, during the sermon, recognized Forer’s dedication to the cause of South Tyrol’s freedom, acknowledging the sacrifices he made and the risks he undertook.
Procession Through Ladis
Following the service, a procession consisting of hundreds of riflemen and friends accompanied Forer’s remains through Ladis. A wind ensemble from the Mühlen band performed “The Song of the Good Comrade” in Taufers.
Eulogy Highlights Forer’s Commitment
Rudi Oberhuber,former captain of the Taufers rifle company,delivered the eulogy. He spoke of Forer’s unwavering commitment to his homeland.
Oberhuber stated, “When our home South Tyrol was threatened, you risked everything, together with other freedom fighters, to draw attention to the injustices. It was not obstinacy that made you resist – it was the deep conviction to stand up for what was right.”
Life in Ladis
Due to a conviction in the Milan trial, Forer was unable to return to South Tyrol for manny years. he established a new life in Ladis with his wife, Wilma, and started a family. Despite this, his connection to South Tyrol remained strong. In 1996, he was granted honorary membership in the Taufers rifle company.
Final Honors
The rifle company paid their respects to Forer with a final honorary salute. Mourners concluded the service with a rendition of the “Tauferer Song,” a farewell to the “Puschtra Bui” (boy from the Puster Valley).
Full Text of Rudi Oberhuber’s Memorial address
“Dear Sepp! We stand here before your coffin with both sadness and gratitude. When our home in South Tyrol was threatened in the 1950s and 1960s, and the state used all means to Italianize it, you, along with a few fellow campaigners, stepped up to fight the injustice.”
“Time and again, you ‘Puschtra Buibm’ tried, through actions against public institutions, to draw attention to the situation in South Tyrol – and advocated for Tyrol’s reunification. When you learned about the inhuman torture of your fellow campaigners in the barracks, your commitment became even stronger.”
“While some insulted you as henchmen of the communists, you prayed the evening rosary at the mountain farms where you temporarily found shelter. You were on the run for many years, spied on in Austria, and taken into custody.”
“It was not obstinacy that made you resist, but in the tough situation of the time, it seemed the only way to draw attention to the injustice in South Tyrol. The conviction in the Milan trial, with a life sentence, made it impractical for you to return to your old homeland.”
“So you founded a family here in Ladis with your wife Wilma and built a new home. But South Tyrol always remained in your heart.”
“As a small sign of gratitude, we were allowed to include you as an honorary member in our company in 1996. For us, it was always a joyful experience to come together with you and the other freedom fighters and listen to your stories. We were always welcome with you and your family, and we tried to maintain contact.”
“Entering your homeland was no longer allowed during his lifetime, but we carry your spirit and your conviction across the borders and want to keep you in honorable remembrance.”
“We thank you for everything you did for our home.Rest in peace, Sepp!”
South Tyrol Honors Freedom Fighter Sepp Forer: A Q&A
Who was Sepp Forer?
Sepp forer was a South Tyrolean freedom fighter who was commemorated at his funeral on Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Ladis, Italy. He was a figure of resistance in the 1960s, fighting for the freedom of South tyrol. He hailed from Mühlen in Taufers.
What was Sepp Forer known for?
Sepp Forer was primarily known for his activism in the 1960s, during a period of political tension and struggle for South Tyrol’s autonomy.He was dedicated to the cause of South Tyrol’s freedom and made personal sacrifices for it.
Where was Sepp Forer’s funeral held?
The funeral of Sepp Forer was held in Ladis, Italy.
Who attended Sepp Forer’s funeral?
the funeral was attended by members of the South Tyrolean schützenbund (riflemen association), community members, and politicians.
What was the role of the South Tyrolean schützenbund (riflemen association) at the funeral?
The South Tyrolean Schützenbund joined community members and politicians in commemorating the life of Sepp Forer. They likely participated in the procession and honors paid to Forer.
What happened during the funeral service?
During the service, Pastor Willi Pfurtscheller recognized Forer’s dedication to the South Tyrolean freedom cause. A procession through Ladis followed the service, accompanied by hundreds of riflemen and friends. The wind ensemble from the Mühlen band performed “The Song of the Good Comrade.” Rudi Oberhuber, former captain of the Taufers rifle company, delivered the eulogy. The rifle company paid their respects wiht a final honorary salute, and mourners concluded the service with a rendition of the “Tauferer Song.”
What was the significance of the procession through Ladis?
The procession, involving hundreds of people including riflemen, underscored the community’s respect and remembrance of forer and possibly demonstrated a symbolic re-affirmation of South tyrolean identity.
What was the eulogy about?
The eulogy highlighted Forer’s unwavering commitment to South Tyrol. Rudi Oberhuber emphasized his role in drawing attention to the injustices faced by South Tyrol and his dedication to what was right.
Where was Sepp Forer from?
Sepp Forer was from Mühlen in Taufers.
Why wasn’t Sepp Forer able to return to South Tyrol for many years?
Due to a conviction in the Milan trial, Sepp Forer was unable to return to South Tyrol for many years.
Where did Sepp Forer build a new life?
He established a new life in ladis with his wife, Wilma, and started a family.
Did sepp Forer maintain a connection to South Tyrol?
Yes, despite living in Ladis, his connection to South Tyrol remained strong. He was granted honorary membership in the Taufers rifle company in 1996.
What honors were given to Sepp Forer?
The rifle company paid their respects with a final honorary salute.
He was granted honorary membership in the Taufers rifle company in 1996.
What was the “Tauferer Song?”
The “Tauferer Song” is a song of farewell to the “Puschtra bui” (the boy from the Puster Valley). It was sung at the conclusion of the service, offering a final tribute to Sepp Forer.
Who delivered the eulogy at Sepp Forer’s funeral?
The eulogy was delivered by Rudi Oberhuber, the former captain of the Taufers rifle company.
Summarize Rudi Oberhuber’s memorial address.
Rudi Oberhuber’s address:
Acknowledged forer’s fight against the Italianization of South Tyrol in the 1950s and 1960s.
Recognized Forer’s commitment, even when facing adversity and
