Theodor Zenner

Born in Gilsdorf, Luxembourg, on February 22, 1890, Theodor Zenner came from a farming family and studied at the Gymnasium in Diekirch before entering the Grand Seminary in Luxembourg. He was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1914 and later served in Esch-sur-Alzette, Folscheid, and Ospern.

Alongside his pastoral work, he became known as a writer. From the 1920s on, his stories for children appeared in Luxembourg newspapers and magazines, and he also contributed to several religious and family publications. He wrote under forms of his own name as well as pseudonyms including Der Kalenderonkel, R. R., and Th. Z.

Zenner is especially remembered for German-language works such as Was der schwarze Hans erlebte and Ermesinde, both tied to Luxembourg’s past. He died in Ospern on April 26, 1948.