Glenn Arthur vonRosenberg
Service Directory
Glenn Arthur vonRosenberg was born Sept. 6, 1933, in Sharpe, Texas, to Arthur Julius vonRosenberg and Edna Lydia vonGonten vonRosenberg. Glenn attended school in neighboring Cameron where he excelled in academics and athletics. He attended Wharton County Junior College where he played football and baseball until the US Army intervened. Glenn proudly served his country in Panama where his duty allowed ample time for baseball and golf. Upon leaving the military, Glenn returned to Wharton to complete his baseball scholarship when a post-game encounter and kiss rocked his world. Enter Barbara Jo Gries, the love of his life. Within months he was recruited by Coach “Bib” Faulk to play shortstop for the University of Texas. He headed to Austin to study and play baseball. Glenn received his Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering in January 1959. His UT baseball career included Southwest Conference Championships, a trip to the College World Series in 1958 and two years of ‘no error’ performance. On June 1, 1957, Glenn married Barbara Jo in West Columbia, Texas , beginning their 60+ years of adventure.
Glenn began his work career as a company engineer in the apparel industry with J. M. Wood Manufacturing in Waco, Texas. Except for a brief venture into the funeral home business, he settled into 15 years of management and consulting for clothing manufacturers around the country. Those years gave the young family of 5 the opportunity to travel the country, experience many cultures and live in 11 different cities. Ready to return home to Central Texas and give in to his entrepreneurial leanings, he opened VR Fashions in 1975. For over 20 years he was a contract manufacturer of all types of apparel in the Waco area and in northern Mexico. While still running VR Fashions, Glenn had the opportunity to work with his friend, Jim Hicks, at Ozark Leather Company. After working with Jim for over 15 years, he purchased the business. In mid-2017, at the age of 83, Glenn made the move to retire.
Glenn was a very special man. His smile and clear blue eyes would attract your attention immediately. His love for the Lord and for people was evident in all areas of his life. He was a very active member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, a “T” car driving Shriner, a fun-loving Jester, and he always shared his time, talent and treasure. After a Via de Cristo weekend, Glenn returned home and enrolled in training to become a Stephen’s Minister. Glenn was a spirited and devoted Longhorn who gave generously and regularly attended sporting events. Glenn served on many boards, councils and committees, but especially enjoyed working with budding entrepreneurs.
His 12 grandchildren and five greats were very precious to him. The children adored and respected him as a friend, mentor and grandfather. He was very active in the vonRosenberg Family of Texas (a family reunion association) and the annual vonGonten family gathering. He actively promoted the importance of family and traditions.
The best of Glenn could always be found at a ballgame (playing, coaching or watching), playing 42 or 88, pitching washers, on the dance floor, at the casino, sipping a Rusty Nail or dealing out advice to anyone who would listen.
Glenn is preceded in death by his father, Arthur Julius vonRosenberg; and mother, Edna Lydia vonGonten vonRosenberg.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Barbara Jo Gries vonRosenberg; children, Darlyn vonRosenberg Cartwright (Drew), Kurt vonRosenberg (Pam), and Karl vonRosenberg (Michelle); adopted son, Patrick Kirby; grandchildren, Claten Bechtol (Gretchen), Jason vonRosenberg (fiancée Brittany), James Cartwright, Cooper Bechtol, Taylor Cartwright, Jaret vonRosenberg (Sarah), Conner Bechtol (Lila), Michael Dwyer, Caroline Cartwright, Kelsey vonRosenberg, Korby vonRosenberg, and Charles vonRosenberg; great-grandchildren, Emery Bechtol, Liam Bechtol, Knox Bechtol, Jaxon vonRosenberg, and Iris Queton; sister, Nettie Green (Clois); sister-in-law, Fairye Gilster (Ralph); brother-in-law, Noel McGinnes; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank: Bluebonnet Health and Hospice Care, St. Catherine’s Rehabilitation Center, Andrew Day MD, Robert Go MD, Ofobuike Okani MD, Bridgett Huffhines and the many friends and relatives that cared for Glenn.
Burial will be at 10 a.m. May 10 in Cameron at Oakhill Cemetery. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on May 10 in Waco at Wilkerson Hatch Bailey Funeral Home with a reception to follow at The Delaney on Lake Waco.
Memorials may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran, 800 N. New Road, Waco, Texas 76710; Karem Shrine, 400 Karem Circle, Waco, Texas 76712 or the charity of your choice.