Ohnesorge, Wilhelm, 1872-1962

The Deutsche Reichspost was the German central postal service. Established in 1871, it was officially known as the Kaiserliche Post und Telegraphenverwaltung. The Reichspost ceased operations at the end of World War II in 1945.

Wilhelm Ohnesorge (1872-1962) was a German politician and postal minister.

Karl Wilhelm Ohnesorge was born on June 8, 1872 in Gräfenhainichen, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. He was an early member of the National Socialist German Worker's (Nazi) Party, founding a branch of the organization in Dortmund. With the rise of the Nazis to power, Ohnesorge became Reichspostminister (minister of the national post office) in 1937. During his tenure he researched the use of the post office and radio services to spread propaganda. He was also involved in the proposed developed of an atomic weapon. He left the post office in 1945 at the end of World War II. He died in Munich on February 1, 1962.

From the guide to the Wilhelm Ohnesorge birthday card and telegrams, 1941-1944, (L. Tom Perry Special Collections)