Remember. Honor. Teach. Thank you for visiting the In Memory of William C. Morgenroth Wreaths Across America page. Please click the red “Sponsor” button to purchase wreaths to be placed on veterans graves on December 13, 2025 at 12:00 pm (Wreath Placement Immediately Following Ceremony) at Old City Cemetery. 

William C. Morgenroth, “Bill” age 101, of Brownsville, TX, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Thursday, March 6th, 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. and Charles A. Morgenroth. 

Bill is survived by his children Bob (late Bernice) Morgenroth of Goliad, TX, Jacqueline (Gene) Johnson of Munster, IN, Janet (Stephen) Herbert of Houston, TX, and Marilyn (William) O’Brien of Houston, TX. He is also survived by his 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, IL. He 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 over 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 eyewitness 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 motor home to visit family and friends while enjoying the scenery across the USA and Canada. They relocated to Brownsville, TX 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” Memorial Service was held on April 3rd, 2025 at Funeraria Del Angel Rose Lawn and Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4464 Old Port Isabel Road, Brownsville, TX 78526. Visitation 11:30-1:30, Chapel Service and Eulogy 1:30-2:30, Military Honor Guard Burial 3:00 at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William’s memory to Wreaths Across America at wreathsacrossamerica.org TXOLDC-OLD CITY CEMETERY, Brownsville, TX or Amigos Del Valle, Inc., https://advrgv.org."