In Germany during World War I, soldier death cards (Sterbebilder) were created and distributed by the deceased soldier’s family, not the government or military. The cards were a personal and religious memorial, and their distribution was part of the funeral process.
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This is an old practice, and still a common one at Catholic funerals today. Prayer cards are often made by the family of the deceased and given out at or around the funeral as part of their request for prayers for their loved one to get to heaven. It is often considered more urgent for youth who have had less time to grow and mature to receive prayers, so no doubt in WWI there was a great deal of anxiety for the souls of so many young men thrown into such a terrible situation as war, even if people believed that the war was fought in defense of their country.