Philipp Graf von und zu Lerchenfeld

Early life and background

Lerchenfeld was born in Köfering in the Regensburg district of Bavaria. His name includes the aristocratic particle and title "Graf," which in German denotes a count and points to a noble family background. He was raised Roman Catholic and maintained close ties to his home region throughout his life. He was married to Marie Therese.

Political career

As a member of the Christian Social Union, Lerchenfeld served in the Landtag of Bavaria from 2003 until 2013, taking part in state-level legislative work. In 2013 he transitioned to the national legislature and was a member of the Bundestag until 2017. During his terms he contributed to debates and represented his constituents' interests; the roles of Landtag and Bundestag members commonly include committee work, constituency service and legislative oversight.

Professional life outside politics

Outside elected office Lerchenfeld worked as a farmer and had professional qualifications in accounting and taxation, serving as a tax consultant. His combination of agricultural experience and financial expertise informed his political perspective, particularly on issues affecting rural communities, small businesses and fiscal matters.

Reputation and notable facts

Observers noted Lerchenfeld as a politician who maintained local ties and practical experience alongside his parliamentary duties. He represented an example of politicians who balance professional life—in his case farming and tax work—with public service. His background illustrated the diversity of career paths that lead to regional and national political office in Germany.

Death

Philipp Graf Lerchenfeld died on 1 December 2017 at age 65. The cause of death was lung cancer. His passing was reported by regional and national media and marked the end of a career that spanned local agricultural activity and a decade and a half in elected office in Bavaria and at the federal level. He was associated with the cultural and political life of Bavaria, and remembered by colleagues and constituents for his long-standing local engagement.

Summary timeline:

1. Born 1952 in Köfering, Regensburg district.
2. Member of the Landtag of Bavaria, 2003–2013.
3. Member of the Bundestag, 2013–2017.
4. Died 2017 from illness.

For more about the CSU and the structure of German state and federal legislatures, see general party and parliamentary resources: CSU overview, rural policy and agriculture, and professional guilds for accountants and tax advisers: tax consultant resources. Further regional context is available for Bavaria and public health information on lung cancer.