William John Elbert, 79, a former vice president of Harris Trust & Savings Bank, died of a heart attack Thursday, March 21, at his home in Redington Shores, Fla. The Wisconsin native was always “quick with arithmetic,” said his sister, Donna, so it was no surprise to the family that he began studying accounting at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. When World War II broke out, Mr. Elbert joined the Army Specialized Training Program, which allowed him to study mathematics at North Dakota State University. He was eventually called overseas and served in France, Austria and Germany, winding up as a second lieutenant, his family said. When the war ended, Mr. Elbert finished his degree in accounting and got a job at the Chicago National Bank. He began as a teller, moved up to the commercial loan division and eventually became a vice president after Chicago National merged with Harris. Mr. Elbert was a coach while his son, Bill, played youth basketball, as well as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader. He also taught his son and his daughter to play golf. “He was very thrilled to have children, and he doted on them both,” his sister said. Mr. Elbert retired to Florida in 1978 but couldn’t quite let go of the world of finance–he worked part time as a commercial loan officer at First National Bank of Clearwater for six years. Mr. Elbert is also survived by a daughter, Gayle Durkin; a brother, Philip; and three grandchildren. Services have been held.
