An 83-year-old physicist named the Baden-Württemberg municipality of Auggen as his sole heir. Hans-Joachim Neitzel died early this year with no close relatives and left around 2.25 million euros.
The cash assets amount to about 1.8 million euros. Added to that is a building plot of nearly 900 square meters valued at 449,000 euros. Neitzel had only requested that a small portion be used for the maintenance of his grave.
Mayor Ulli Waldkirch said the community was very surprised. The handwritten will was examined by the probate court and a notary's office. The certificate of inheritance was issued in mid-June.
The money is to benefit the entire community. It is planned for the extension of the primary school, a municipal fund over ten to 15 years and in the long term a citizens' foundation.