William C. Morgenroth

William C. Morgenroth, “Bill” age 101, of Brownsville, Texas, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Thursday, March 6, 2025. He was preceded in death in 2010 by his loving wife of 62 years, Geraldine L. Morgenroth, his parents, Marie A. and Charles G. Morgenroth, and brothers Donald A. Morgenroth and Charles A. Morgenroth.

Bill is survived by his children Bob (late Bernice) Morgenroth, Jacqueline (Gene) Johnson, Janet (Stephen) Herbert, and Marilyn (William) O’Brien. He is also survived by grandchildren Kevin (Rebecca) Johnson, Brian (Carrie Huisingh) Johnson, Michelle (Kyle) Kwasny, Jeffrey Herbert, Rachel Herbert (Bryce) Sturrock, Nathaniel Herbert, Emma O’Brien, great-grandchildren William and Annika Johnson, Karl and Margaret Johnson, Scarlett and Sloan Kwasny, and several nieces and nephews.

Bill was born on September 8, 1923 in Chicago and spent most of his early years on the South Side where he met the future love of his life, Geraldine Krause. He also lived for a while on a farm in Big Rock, Iowa and attended a one-room schoolhouse.

Bill developed an interest in cars at a young age and especially enjoyed driving and maintaining his 1930 Model A and 1940 Ford Deluxe Convertible. After high school, he began his career with AT&T and was employed there for nearly 38 years. He was a proud IBEW Union member for 77 years.

During WWII, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he valiantly fought in the historic Battle of Iwo Jima. He witnessed the iconic flag raising on Mt. Suribachi and earned a Purple Heart due to shrapnel wounds. His military experience was recorded by the Texas Veterans Land Board Oral History Program, voicesofveterans.org. See his extended interview with local Brownsville TV at KRGV.com search William Morgenroth. The family would be honored for others to hear his eye witness combat story.

Shortly after the war, he returned to his job at AT&T, got married and moved to Gary, IN. He built a beautiful home where he and Geraldine raised their family. Upon retiring, they traveled in their motorhome to visit friends and family while enjoying the scenery across the USA and Canada. They relocated to Brownsville and lived there since 1985. Bill was always excited to discuss the city's bright future, friendly people, and warm climate.

The family wishes to express special thanks to friends, caregivers, healthcare professionals, Amigos Del Valle (Meals on Wheels), Veterans Affairs, and the Rio Grande Valley Marines for their ongoing support. Bill will be greatly missed and fondly remembered for his spirited storytelling, honesty, and heartwarming smile.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on April 3, 2025, at Funeraria Del Angel Rose Lawn & Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4464 Old Port Isabel Road, Brownsville, TX 78526. Visitation 11:30-1:30, Chapel Service/Eulogy 1:30-2:30, Military Funeral Honors Burial 3:00. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Amigos Del Valle, Inc., https://advrgv.org or Wreaths Across America, TXOLDC-OLD CITY CEMETERY https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/186061