Wilbert Arthur Elias was born March 10, 1913, in Wheatland Township, Carroll County, Iowa, the son of Arthur D. and Anna Bauerle Elias. He received his elementary education in rural schools and the Westside Public School, where he also attended high school. Later he attended Capitol City Commercial College in Des Moines.

Wilbert entered military service N in 1942 with the United States Army, and served in the China-India-Burma area with the 944th Veterinarian Food Inspection Detachment, 103rd Medical Battalion. He was awarded medals for good conduct, Asiatic-Pacific service, and World War II Victory. Wilbert received his honorable discharge on February 27, 1946.

After he returned home, Wilbert farmed his parent's farm near Westside, moving to Des Moines in 1953 where he lived and worked at the YMCA. He took an active part in the many activities there, and especially enjoyed working with the boys bell choir. He was a charter member of the new Y building in 1970.

After retirement from the YMCA, Wilbert lived in Des Moines until failing health caused him to spend time at the Veterans Administration hospitals in Des Moines and Knoxville. Eventually he made his home at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. He returned to the VA hospital in Knoxville where he died on Friday evening, November 3, 1995, at the age of 82 years, 7 months, and 23 days.

Wilbert was preceded in death by his parents; by a brother, Harold, in infancy; and a sister, Pauline, Mrs. Roy Kruse.

Survivors include: two sisters, Ruth, Mrs. Walter Hargens, of Spirit Lake, Garnet and her husband, Earl Stribe, of Manning; a brother, Earl, and his friend, Lavon Mangels, of Spencer; eight nieces and nephews.

Wilbert was a member of the Methodist Church, of VFW Post 738, Des Moines, and of Za Ga Zig Legion of Honor, Moingona Lodge 633.
Wilbert will be remembered as a good and faithful worker for the organizations.