Jürg Marquard Remembered at Fraumünster Memorial
Family, friends, and industry figures gathered at Zurich's Fraumünster church on October 1, 2026, to honor the late media entrepreneur Jürg Marquard.
Quick facts
- Jürg Marquard passed away on September 14, 2026, at age 81.
- The memorial service took place on October 1, 2026, at Fraumünster church in Zurich.
- Marquard began his career in 1965 by launching the youth magazine 'Pop' with 2,000 Swiss francs.
Why it matters
Jürg Marquard's passing marks the end of an era for Swiss print media. His transition from a young reporter with a small youth magazine to an international media mogul mirrors the rapid evolution of the publishing industry in the late 20th century. His memorial highlights the high level of respect he maintained within the Swiss business establishment.
Prominent figures from Swiss business and society gathered at the Fraumünster church in Zurich on October 1, 2026, to pay their final respects to media entrepreneur Jürg Marquard. The publisher, who died on September 14 following a long illness, was 81 years old.
What happened at the memorial?
The memorial service, held on Thursday afternoon, was attended by family members, friends, and professional colleagues. Reformed pastor Andrea Marco Bianca led the ceremony, reflecting on Marquard's drive and his belief in the power of pursuing one's dreams. Hugo Boss CEO Daniel Grieder shared tributes, highlighting Marquard's entrepreneurial spirit and character.
Why is Jürg Marquard a significant figure?
Jürg Marquard was a defining personality in the Swiss publishing industry. His career began during his school years as a local reporter. In 1965, at age 20, he founded the youth magazine Pop using 2,000 Swiss francs in borrowed capital. This venture served as the foundation for the eventual development of a large international media enterprise.
What was his professional legacy?
Marquard was well-known for his ambition and his philosophy, famously stating, "I always wanted to be something special." Over several decades, he transformed his early work into a major media company. His influence on the Swiss media landscape remains a subject of discussion among peers and industry observers who credit his early risk-taking with his later success.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Jürg Marquard?
Jürg Marquard was a prominent Swiss media entrepreneur and publisher. He is best known for starting his career at age 20 by launching the youth magazine 'Pop' in 1965, which eventually grew into a significant international media company.
When did Jürg Marquard die?
Jürg Marquard passed away on September 14, 2026, following a long illness. He was 81 years old at the time of his death.
Where was the memorial service held?
The memorial service for Jürg Marquard took place at the Fraumünster church in Zurich on the afternoon of October 1, 2026.
How many children did Jürg Marquard leave behind?
According to reports from the memorial service, Jürg Marquard is survived by five children.
What was the significance of the magazine 'Pop'?
Founded in 1965, 'Pop' was the magazine that launched Marquard's career. It was the starting point for his development into an international media publisher, created when he was just 20 years old with 2,000 Swiss francs in start-up capital.
Who attended the memorial service?
The service was attended by his family, including his daughters, as well as various figures from the business and entertainment sectors, such as Hugo Boss CEO Daniel Grieder and singer Paola Felix.
In this story
Sources
Last checked Oct 2, 2026 at 3:15 AM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work
Comments