The Waldsolms community inherited the fortune from Renate and Alfred Wedel.
(CNN) -
Residents of a community in central Germany unexpectedly inherited properties and a portfolio of stocks worth 6.2 million euros ($ 7.5 million) after the death of an elderly neighbor.
Renate Wedel lived in the Weiperfelden district of Waldsolms in Hesse, central Germany, with her husband, Alfred Wedel, since 1975, according to a statement from the Waldsolms district, which is made up of six villages.
Alfred, who was "successful" and "active" on the stock market, died in 2014. And Renate, who received care at a nursing home in Frankfurt since 2016, died in December 2019 at the age of 81.
In April this year, the district said, it was informed that Renate had bequeathed her a bank balance, stocks and valuables.
Renate's sister, who was his original heir, had already passed away, local media outlet Hessenschau reported.
The news came as a shock to the authorities.
"At first I thought 'this is just not possible', I thought a comma had run, that something is not quite right," local mayor Bernd Heine told Hessenschau.
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The municipality also inherited a property in Weiperfelden.
This was initially left as an inheritance, but was rejected by the initial heir due to the cost of maintaining the house and outbuildings and because the residents' contributions had to go towards works on a local road.
How will they use the inheritance?
The community is obliged to use the inheritance, valued at 6.2 million euros, for "community facilities and infrastructure".
"The Waldsolms community is posthumously grateful to the Wedel couple for this important heritage," the community said in a statement.
"We will treat you very responsibly, develop our community for the good of all and keep an honorable memory of both," he added.
Local residents have some ideas about where the money should be spent.
Heine told Hessenschau that money was needed for bike paths, buildings and a kindergarten.
Meanwhile, residents suggested that the money should be spent on an outdoor pool, public transportation and facilities for the children there.