Oran W. Langenberg

Bill was born on September 4, 1924 in Hallettsville, Texas to his parents Marie Humble and William Langenberg. He only had one sister, Geraldine, who was 4 years older. They moved to San Antonio because his dad was employed at the Knowlton Creamery on Fredricksburg Road. When the Great Depression hit in 1929, they had to move to Fredricksburg, Texas with his cousin’s family who were share croppers.

In 1942, he enlisted in the Marines and was sent to Pearl Harbor to fight in WWII until 1945. He was a man of few words rarely sharing his military experiences but we know from some of his medals of honor he was a paratrooper. From 1945 to 1946, he worked at the US Embassy in Shanghai, China. There he furthered his communication skills using a teletype machine. After deciding not to re-enlist at age 23, he landed a job at Bell Telephone Company in downtown San Antonio since that was his special gifting. One day at lunch he met Betty Ann Grohman (16 years old) who worked at Walgreens. They dated only a few times before deciding to get married. They had six children together whom he is survived by today. They are: Angie (Langenberg) (Joe Leonard) ; Rose (Langenberg) and (Larry Harms) ; son, William (Bill) and (MaryBeth) Langenberg, Marilyn (Langenberg) and (Glenn Graham), Linda (Langenberg) and (Jim Eller), and Ellen (Langenberg) and (Kenny Riedel). He had 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. After working at the telephone company, he landed a career as a communication specialist at Kelly Air Force Base as a GS13 until he retired at age 55, receiving many honors.

In Bill’s retirement, he spent years planting and selling Red Oak trees. He was quite the handyman and could fix just about anything he set his mind to. He was very active, continuing to live life to its fullest. He loved his family and would meet on special occasions but very much treasured his time alone where he found much respite.

Bill loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved boating and passed down this passion to all his children. He sold his last boat when he was about 92. We can’t count how many boats he actually owned.

He purchased a house close to the medical center when he was 90 years old which still amazes me. We honored his wishes of wanting to stay in his home until the very end and we would take turns visiting and helping him weekly and as needed.

We will honor his military service at Ft Sam Houston where he will be laid to rest on May 2, 2022.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com for the Langenberg family.