William Von Rosenberg

Our beloved Bill, William Edward von Rosenberg, Architect Emeritus, of Brenham Texas, age 81 passed away in his sleep at home on December 2, 2025. Bill was born in La Grange to loving parents Eunice and Sam. The values instilled in him growing up on the dairy farm gave him the work ethic that characterized him throughout his life. Bill deeply appreciated, respected and loved the land and its creature. Bill's eye for excellence and his unique ability to recognize and foster beauty in all things would propel him to pursue a career in Architecture.

Bill graduated from the UT School of Architecture with a Bachelor's degree in 1969. He began his professional career with Brooks, Barr, Graeber and White in Austin in the early 1970s. At this time, he met his future wife, Charlotte Minor. They were married in Austin on July 14, 1973. The couple then moved to San Antonio where Bill worked for O'Neal Ford Architects. In 1984 they welcomed a daughter, Jan Alexandra. Bill had a rich and varied career. He was Project Manager on a luxury estate on Captiva Island, Florida.

Bill renovated and redesigned the homes in which he lived over the years. Most especially their home in Austin which was featured on the TV Food Channel, magazines and in the Austin newspaper. Projects with Texas Parks and Wildlife include the Battleship Texas and the Texas State Cemetery. Bill worked for the state of Texas until his retirement in 2006. He was an avid outdoorsman. Bill was interested in building the cattle herd on the family land in Fayette County.

Bill was an immensely intelligent and interesting person. Bill had a great eye - he could "see it" - he was an executor of visons. He was a cowboy with cowboy virtues. One of his greatest joys as a toddler was to appear in his grandpa's boots and his dad's creased and weathered western work hat. He was ready to rodeo at age 6 on a horse named Bill, a retired race horse. Not many others could manage this mustang. Honest, brave and sweet natured, he always had a clean handkerchief and a folding knife in his pocket.

His favorites were Thomas Jefferson and Clint Eastwood. As an Architect he understood how things go together. He was a silversmith, saddle-maker, leather smith. Reader in philosophy and comparative religion. He could sew or build anything. if he didn't have it - he made it. Bill had a deep fascination with history, ancient cultures and religions, old books and documents, maps and architectural drawings. Bill loved to converse and would engage with anyone on any subject. Bill did nothing half-heartedly. His blueprint was the pursuit of perfection. As his mother- in- law, Bertha Quebe Minor would say, "send Bill for a broom - he'll come back with a bull dozer". Bill was the very definition of reliable and steadfast, a leader, protector, husband, father, brother, provider, teacher, confidant and best friend. Bill will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Charlotte, daughter Alex, his sister Judy Ybarra and her husband Dr. Bruno Ybarra, nieces and nephews, cousins, a loyal group of friends and his devoted heeler dog Pepper Ann.

Donations may be made to the Animal Rescue group of your choice.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Sunday, March 1 from 1 till 4. For information call Memorial Oaks Chapel at 979-836-4564