Roll Call Tribute

William Edward "Bill" Rosenbach, Col. USAF (Ret) 

September 22, 1938 - August 31, 2025 

William (Bill) Edward Rosenbach passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025, surrounded by his family, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Bill was born in September 1938 in Schulenburg, Texas, to Ruby and Lawrence Rosenbach. He grew up in Schulenburg with his two brothers, Larry and Bernie.

Family was always Bill's greatest priority. He was known for constantly asking how he could help-whether assisting with a project or making sure everyone had what they needed. He was a devoted husband and was married to his wife, Colleen, for more than 55 years. He was a member of St. Francis Church. As a father, he always encouraged his kids to work hard, remain humble, and try to help people in need. He was always present -- he almost never missed any of his kids' school or sporting events. Affectionately called Pop Pop by his eight grandchildren, he loved fishing with them, cheering them on at games, and encouraging them to pursue their passions. He proudly told anyone he met just how wonderful each grandchild was. He had a sweet tooth and loved keeping a candy bowl nearby to sneak treats throughout the day. He passed on his love of travel and openness to new experiences to his children and grandchildren. When he was able to relax, Bill enjoyed yardwork, fishing, tending to his swans, and cheering for his beloved Dallas Cowboys and Texas A&M Aggies.

Bill attended Texas A&M University and, after graduation in 1960, was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. He first served in Texas as an instructor at the missile school, before completing three combat tours as a navigator and fighter pilot in Vietnam. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for "extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight." His family recently discovered flight logs indicating that he had flown dozens of secret missions over Cambodia and Laos. Following his service in Vietnam, Bill was stationed at Travis Air Force Base in Sacramento, where he met his beloved wife, Colleen, on a blind date. His next assignment took him to the Pentagon before moving to Colorado Springs, where he joined the faculty at the U.S. Air Force Academy. From 1972 to 1984, he was a professor, and Head of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership. During this time, he also earned his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from the University of Colorado Boulder.

After 25 years of distinguished service, Bill retired from the Air Force as a Colonel and moved with his family to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. There, he served as Chair of the Department of Management at Gettysburg College. His research focused on leadership development, leader-follower effectiveness, and the relationship between transformational leadership, organizational culture, and change.

Bill went on to become the Evans Professor of Eisenhower Leadership Studies and Professor of Management at Gettysburg College. He retired in 2006 to focus on his consulting firm, Leading and Following, which helped private and public organizations develop more effective leaders and followers, and strengthen organizational culture. He was also a founder of the Gettysburg Experience, which brought leaders from around the country to study leadership lessons through the history of the Battle of Gettysburg. An accomplished scholar, Bill co-authored several books and published more than 50 articles in scientific and professional journals.,

Bill is survived by his wife, Colleen; his brother, Larry (Meg) Rosenbach; his children, Eric (Alexa) Rosenbach, Stefan (Deena) Rosenbach, Laura Rosenbach, and Kara (Josh) Rubinich; and his eight grandchildren-Sophia, Max, Anya, Liam, Bryn, Michael, Peter, and Kate.

The family is deeply grateful for the love and support shown to Bill and to them throughout his illness. Per his wishes, Bill's body was donated to Thomas Jefferson Medical School for medical education and research. A private family ceremony will be held in his honor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to them or the Alzheimer's Association.