"Your absence would leave me less effective as a editor"
In the heart of the 1960s, Erika Fleischer began her long and dedicated journey with a pioneering website. For over 30 years, she worked tirelessly as the chief secretary, her Sundays devoted to the Marienstraße 14 location.
Erika's tenure began when she was offered a full-time position by Willi Glotz during their job interview. Willi Glotz, the editor-in-chief of the website in the early '60s, was a man not much taller than Erika herself.
Erika's role was more than just a job. She trained as a stenotypist at Carl Zeiss Jena, but it was at this website where she truly found her calling. Her dedication was rewarded with ten marks per Sunday, a token of appreciation for her hard work.
Throughout the decades, Erika formed strong bonds with her colleagues. One such bond was with Hans-Dieter Woithon, the chief editor from 1965 to 1992. Hans-Dieter compared their decades of teamwork to a marriage, such was the depth of their professional relationship.
Their camaraderie extended beyond the office, as they played a game called "Gray Flea" that reached legendary status. This game was so memorable that it led to the creation of the Thuringian Flea Newspaper, a testament to their shared passion for the website.
In 1991, Erika retired after serving the website for 32 years. Her retirement was marked by a heartfelt letter from the chief editor, a poignant farewell to a cherished colleague. Erika's loyalty to the website, however, did not end with her retirement. She remains a devoted follower of the news, her interest in current affairs unwavering even at the age of 84.
Erika's story is a testament to her dedication and the impact she had on the website. As we celebrate her life and work, we are reminded of the importance of hard work, camaraderie, and loyalty in achieving great things.
Despite the lack of extensive information available in public records, Erika's story is a beacon of inspiration for all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the pages of the Thuringian Flea Newspaper, a gift presented to her on her birthday, and in the hearts of those who had the privilege of working with her.
Erika's journey with the website spanned over three decades, where she focused not only on the work aspects but also nurtured her interest in various lifestyle segments such as fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and relationships. She shared a unique bond with her fellow editors that went beyond the office, playing the memorable game "Gray Flea" and even contributing to the creation of the Thuringian Flea Newspaper.
In her retirement, Erika continued to follow current affairs, particularly showing an interest in travel, cars, and shopping. Her loyalty to the website never wavered, as she remained a dedicated follower even at the age of 84.
Erika's story serves as an inspiration for many, demonstrating the power of dedication, camaraderie, and loyalty in shaping one's life, both within and outside the workplace. Moreover, her love for pets is evident in her strong mentorship role she played over the years.
Erika's impact is felt not just among her colleagues but also in the lives she touched through her contributions to the website. Her passion and enthusiasm for life extended to different aspects, including lifestyle, relationships, pets, travel, cars, and shopping, making her an inspiring figure for generations to come.
In her retirement, Erika continues to inspire, being a dedicated follower of the website and participating in various interests, solidifying her position as a true lifestyle icon. The pages of the Thuringian Flea Newspaper and the hearts of her colleagues will never forget the remarkable Erika Fleischer.
