FC Bayern was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Wilfried "Willi" Lemke, who passed away a week before his 78th birthday. Lemke was a central decision maker at Werder Bremen for many decades.
Jan-Christian Dreesen, FC Bayern CEO: "FC Bayern, together with the friends and family, with Werder Bremen and with the whole of German football, mourns the loss of Willi Lemke. Willi Lemke was a straightforward, opinionated person who did not shy away from opposition. He left a mark on German football, without doubt. Willi Lemke will never be forgotten – neither by his beloved club Werder Bremen nor beyond."
Uli Hoeneß, FC Bayern honorary president: "The news of Willi Lemke's death has made me sad. Willi Lemke was a man of controversy: everyone knows that we often discussed and argued. But he was also a man of dialogue and ultimately we established a good relationship. He enriched the Bundesliga and German football. My sincere condolences go to his family and friends and also to Werder Bremen, the club that would not be what it is today without Willi Lemke."
Lemke was general manager at Werder Bremen from 1981 to 1999. During his tenure, the Hanseatic club won two German championships and the European Cup Winners' Cup. He then moved onto the supervisory board and also served as the senator for education and science as well as interior and sport in Bremen. He's survived by his wife Heide and four children.