Radio Interview: Author shares her family’s tragic connection to a Nazi atrocity August 4, 2026By Catholic Review Staff Catholic Review Filed Under: Books, CR Radio, Feature, Local News, News, Radio Interview Ilka Knüppel’s book, “Finding Ruth: A Personal Story of Hitler’s Secret Euthanasia Program, Action T4,” recounts the life and tragic death of her great-aunt Ruth Muehlmann, a young woman with a disability who was murdered in 1941 as part of the Nazis’ secret program that systematically killed people with disabilities. (Courtesy Ilka Knüppel) Rita Buettner speaks with Ilka Knüppel, author of “Finding Ruth: A Personal Story of Hitler’s Secret Euthanasia Program, Action T4.” Knüppel recounts the life of her great-aunt Ruth Muehlmann, a young woman with a disability who was murdered in 1941 as part of the Nazis’ secret program that systematically killed people with disabilities. She shares her years-long search through German archives, her visits to the institutions where Ruth lived and died, and the emotional journey of uncovering long-hidden family history. The author also reflects on how her Catholic faith sustained her while researching such profound evil and why remembering these forgotten victims is essential today. This conversation offers a powerful reminder of the dignity of every human person, the importance of confronting history honestly and the responsibility to protect the most vulnerable. Click play below to listen to the full episode. read more cr radio Radio Interview: Get on board the Mercy Train Radio Interview: Art, faith and storytelling Radio Interview: An American Martyr – The Legacy of Blessed Stanley Rother Radio Interview: From addiction to purpose Radio Interview: Faith in times of crisis Radio Interview: Archbishop Lori and Cardinal Dolan discuss Catholics in civic life Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media Print
