Else Merke facts for kids
Else Merke (born June 15, 1920 – died March 6, 2005) was an important woman in East Germany. She was part of the State Council of East Germany, which was like a group of leaders for the country, from 1963 to 1971.
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Else Merke's Early Life
Else Merke was born in 1920 in a place called Stargard, which was in Prussia at the time. After finishing school, she worked on her parents' farm.
Moving After World War II
When World War II ended, Else Merke had to leave her home. She moved to a new area that was controlled by the Soviet Union. This area later became East Germany.
Starting a Collective Farm
Else Merke and her husband became farmers in a town called Schenkenberg. In 1952, they helped start one of the very first collective farms there. These farms were called LPGs, where many farmers worked together.
Else Merke's Political Work
In 1948, Else Merke joined a political group called the Democratic Farmers' Party of Germany (DBD). This party focused on helping farmers.
Member of Parliament
In 1953, she was chosen to be a member of the Volkskammer. This was like being a member of parliament in East Germany. She stayed a member for a very long time, until 1986. From 1963 to 1990, Else Merke was also on her party's main committee.
Helping Women
Else Merke also joined the Democratic Women's League of Germany (DFD) in 1950. This group worked to support women. Later, in 1964, she became a deputy leader of this women's group. She even went to a big meeting for women's rights in Copenhagen in 1953.
Awards and Recognition
Else Merke received several important awards for her work and dedication:
- In 1958, she was given the Clara Zetkin Medal.
- In 1966, she received the Patriotic Order of Merit.
- In 1985, she was awarded the Star of People's Friendship.
Else Merke passed away in 2005 in Schenkenberg, the same town where she had started her collective farm.
