William's Obituary
William Donald Elbert, August 15, 1931-April 16, 2025
Bill Elbert went home to the Lord peacefully on April 16, 2025, at the age of 93. Born in Goodland, Indiana, Bill was the son of Earl A. and Beulah M. (Eason) Elbert. Bill graduated top of his class of 14 students at Goodland High School and went on to study and play basketball at St Joseph College in Rensselaer. He was a three-year starting forward for the Puma basketball team. In 1953, the Pumas were co-champions with Butler in the Indiana Collegiate Conference. He earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Purdue University in 1960.
In October 1954, he married his local sweetheart, Leona Sell and they went on to have five children they adored. He served in the US Army from 1953 to 1955, his service included tours in Japan and Korea and was honorably discharged in August 1955.
In 1955, he began his teaching and coaching career at Pine Township High School. He became the head basketball coach at Kentland High School and taught PE and History for five years. In 1963, he became the Principal of Kentland and held that position until South Newton was formed in 1966. Bill was the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at South Newton High School from 1966 to 1971, Principal at Tri-County High School in Wolcott from 1971 to 1973, and was named Principal at South Newton in 1978, the position he held until his retirement in 1993.
Bill loved to travel and had been to almost all 50 states. In 2003, he traveled to China to assist in adding to the family, his 16th grandchild. He loved to travel to see his grandkids play in sports, theater and activities, and would follow them across the states to do so. One of Bill’s notable quotes was, “I hope I live long enough to see all my grandkids graduate from high school, see the Cubs win a World Series, and watch Purdue win an NCAA basketball National Championship.” A bucket list that was almost complete. Bill was featured in an Indianapolis Star article in 2024 about the Purdue basketball national run and in a live radio broadcast on 107.5 The Fan.
Bill would often say his greatest accomplishment were his kids, but the joy he received from the kids he encountered over the years at school, proved to be his true calling. There are hundreds of young adults that were influenced by his simple but loving advice. His nurturing approach often changed the trajectory of their lives as he cheered them in their successes. As quoted by a professional peer, “Bill did things right and added class to whatever he had responsibility for.” Bill had an utmost positive outlook on life which was infectious with the ability to find the best in every person.
Bill is survived by his wife of 71 years, Leona. His son Steven Elbert (MaryLou Montgomery Elbert), 3 daughters: Cindy Farren (Jeff Farren), Nancy Elbert (John Mischik), and Cara Roetken. He is also survived by a brother, James Elbert (JoAnn), sister-in-law, Patty Elbert, and brother-in-law, Robert Sell. Bill had 16 grandchildren who he absolutely thought the world of: Erin Kilgore (Ryan), Chelsea Retz (Josh), Jamen Elbert (Michelle), Adelaide Downham, Britney Pingatore (Frank), Rhyse Elbert (Kristin), Colin Roetken (Meredith), Danyel Holder (Jake), Parker Roetken, Marshall Farren (Maddie), Clayton Farren, Garrett Toombs, Regan Roetken, Cameron Farren, Kellyn Toombs, and Brooklin Toombs. Bill loved spending time with his 11 great grandchildren: Eli, Claire, Ruby, Thomas, Amelia, Jayce, Hadley, Leah, Wells, Cecilia and Jamie. He was proceeded in death by his son, Christopher Elbert, his parents, Earl and Beulah and a brother Richard Elbert.
Visitation will be 1:00 - 4:00 PM Central Time on Saturday, May 3rd at South Newton High School,13102 S. 50 E, Kentland, IN with a celebration of life to follow. We ask that you wear the old gold and black of Purdue to honor him.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to The Chris Center, PO Box 500, Carmel, IN 46032, which is a non-profit in honor of Chris Elbert to support the mental health of young adults. https://chriscenterpaws.networkforgood.com/projects/244187-2025-supporting-youth-mental-wellness
