Katharina von Zimmern
Swiss sovereign abbess of St. Gall
Born
1478
547 years ago
Died
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
Switzerland
Links & References
Served as the sovereign abbess of the Abbey of St. Gall from 1502 until her death in 1547. Played a significant role in the governance of the abbey, influencing religious and political matters in the region. Held authority over the abbey's territory and managed relationships with local powers during a time of significant social and political change in Switzerland. Contributed to the stability and administration of the abbey in the context of the Protestant Reformation.
Governed the Abbey of St. Gall
Managed the abbey's political affairs
Other People Who Died on August 17th
Władysław Komar
Polish shot putter and actor
Born
April 11th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1998 27 years ago — 58 years old
Accomplished in athletics, specialized in shot put. Competed in the Olympics, winning a bronze medal at the 1968 Mexico City Games. Transitioned into acting, gaining recognition in Polish cinema. Participated in popular films, contributing to the cultural landscape of Poland.
Continue ReadingGus Winckel
Dutch lieutenant and pilot
Born
1912 113 years ago
Died
August 17th, 2013 12 years ago — 101 years old
Served as a lieutenant in the Royal Netherlands Air Force and demonstrated notable aerial skills during his military career. Played a key role in the Dutch air operations post-World War II, contributing to the establishment of air defense strategies. Engaged in various missions that highlighted the importance of aerial reconnaissance and tactical aerial support for military operations. His career spanned several decades, transitioning from military service to civil aviation roles.
Continue ReadingJack Walker
English businessman and football club owner
Born
1929 96 years ago
Died
August 17th, 2000 25 years ago — 71 years old
An English businessman, significant contributions were made to the Blackburn Rovers Football Club, which he owned from 1991 until passing in 2000. Under his ownership, the club achieved notable success in the 1994-95 season by winning the Premier League title. Walker's investment fostered the development of the club’s infrastructure, including Ewood Park stadium enhancements. His commitment to football was rooted in a personal passion for the sport, cultivated from youth. This dedication helped the club rise in prominence within English football during the 1990s.
Continue ReadingMiodrag Pavlović
Serbian poet and literary critic
Born
1928 97 years ago
Died
August 17th, 2014 11 years ago — 86 years old
A Serbian poet and literary critic, contributions to literature included poetry collections and critical essays that explored themes of identity, culture, and language. His works have been significant in the context of Serbian literature, reflecting on both personal and societal issues. Pavlović's engagement with literary criticism provided insights into the evolution of Serbian poetry and its connections to broader cultural movements. His poetry often drew from rich symbolic language and personal reflections, resonating with readers and scholars alike. The literary impact and recognition of Pavlović's work extended beyond national boundaries, influencing a range of contemporary poets and critics.
Continue ReadingYvonne Craig
Ballet dancer and actress in TV series
Born
May 16th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
August 17th, 2015 10 years ago — 78 years old
Initiated a career as a ballet dancer, performing with prestigious ballet companies. Transitioned to acting and gained recognition for roles in television, particularly as Batgirl in the series 'Batman' during the 1960s. Appeared in films such as 'The Gene Krupa Story' and 'Mars Needs Women'. Also contributed to the arts as a choreographer for various productions.
Continue ReadingJohn Hollander
Poet and literary critic with notable works
Born
October 28th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
August 17th, 2013 12 years ago — 83 years old
An American poet, critic, and educator contributed significantly to contemporary poetry and literary criticism. Published numerous collections of poetry including 'Fable' and 'The Picture Window'. Served as a professor at several esteemed institutions, including Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania. Contributed articles and essays to major literary journals and was influential in shaping modern poetry's landscape through both creative work and critical analysis.
Continue Reading