William Fredrick Elbert, DDS William Elbert, age 93 of Rice Lake, WI returned to his heavenly home on Monday, July 10, 2023.

Bill was born in 1930 in Rice Lake, WI, the son of Dr. John and Hattie Elbert.

He graduated from Rice Lake High School and attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. He went on to earn his dental degree in 1954 from Marquette University in Milwaukee, where he met his future wife, Janice. He and Jan married in 1954, then moved to Germany where he served as a Captain in the U.S. Army. Returning to Wisconsin, Bill joined a dental practice with his father John, also a dentist, and brother John, an orthodontist. In 1963, Bill established his own practice in family dentistry in Rice Lake, working with his wife Jan by his side as office manager. He retired in 2006 after 50+ years of dentistry. He was named a Fellow in the International College of Dentists and a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry. He received lifetime service awards from the Wisconsin and American Dental Associations. A firm believer in giving back to others, he taught dental courses at the University of Minnesota and Marquette University. His office motto was “Excellence in all things, and all things to God’s glory.” Bill loved the outdoors and all things nature and was a passionate conservationist, planting thousands of pine trees and enjoying many wonderful days of hunting and fishing. He took pleasure in walking in the woods or snowshoeing with his wife, accompanied by one of their dogs along their beloved paths beside the Red Cedar River. He and Jan enjoyed their gardens in the summer and the warmth of a crackling fire in the winter. He loved his family, and was always there with a smile and a prayer, and rarely passed up an opportunity to share his sweet sense of humor. With a firm commitment to his faith in Christ, Bill was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church and was involved in ministry and outreach. Alongside his wife, they raised their three children to find strength and peace through faith. He delivered church materials to congregation members and Meals-on-Wheels to the community up until the age of 92. Bill is predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Janice, whom he had deeply missed since her passing.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Bill & Carol Elbert of Glendale, WI; son and daughter-in-law, Richard & Katrin Elbert of Westfield, NJ with grandchildren, Kristianna and Justin; daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen & Daniel Mackesy of Brighton, CO; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, John and Tom Elbert.

Dad will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, July 15, 2023 at First Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, WI, Rev. Jonathan Cluppert officiating, with interment in the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spooner, WI. Visitation will be held from 10 - 11 AM Saturday at First Lutheran Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Appleyard's Home for Funerals, 19 W. Messenger St., Rice Lake, WI.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Lutheran Church’s Pre-School program, or the Barron County Humane Society.

Last Update: Jul 11, 2023 1:13 pm CDT