Josef Peer, the oldest living man in Austria, passed away in in Trins, Tyrol on 17 April, at the age of 108 years, 76 days.
Peer was born in Trins on 31 January 1918, as one of 11 siblings. He began working at a young age. At just 11 years old, he spent entire summers alone with his brother on a mountain pasture, tending sheep. When he turned 20 and World War II broke out, he was called to serve. He was sent across Europe, often marching for days, witnessing his comrades die beside him. He was wounded four times, shot on each occasion. Though he eventually returned home to his family, his brother did not survive the war.
At some point, he married Ida Gleirscher, with whom he spent 47 years and had seven children. He was a dedicated member of the church choir for decades, and later served for many years as a bass player, chairman, and honorary chairman of the local music band. Sadly, just before his 76th birthday in 1994, his wife passed away.
On 1 April 2024, following the passing of 109-year-old Franz Wielander of Sankt Pölten, he became the oldest living man in Austria, at the age of 106 years, 61 days.
Following his passing, Josef Peham (born 6 February 1919), aged 107, succeeds him as the oldest known living man in Austria. The nation’s oldest living resident is Anna Wagner, a resident of Euratsfeld, at 111.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Josef Peer during this difficult time.
