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Michael Elbert Obituary
Passed away January 23, 2021. He is known by many names: Dad, Uncle, Bapa, Grandpa Mike. Michael was born on November 24, 1942, in Wheeling, WV, at Ohio Valley Hospital. He was born to Ouida Elbert (Eskin) and Clyde Howard "Fussy" Elbert. Ouida and Fussy raised him along with his sister, Bonnie. Michael was preceded in death (by eight days) by his wife of 53 years, Gwen Elbert (Powell) and both parents.
Michael attended Linsly Military Institute (now The Linsly School) in West Virginia, where he attended 5th through 12th grade. He went on to earn his BA in History and Political Science from Bethany college in 1965 and earned his MBA from University of Detroit in 1978. Michael was in the U.S. Army then went on to work at VW of America for 30 years and retired, with his wife, to Tucson AZ. He was an active community member and loved to sing at their local church, Saguaro Christian Church in Tucson, AZ. He was the president of the Tucson Barbershop eXperience, the culmination of a lifelong love of performing barbershop music. His thunderous laugh brought joy to all who heard it. He and Gwen hosted numerous exchange students and family friends from other nations. As a result, his life will be celebrated and his lossmourned by many.
Michael was a committed husband and father. He is survived by his sons, Andrew Michael Elbert (Alicia Garbe) and Christian Powell Elbert (Alison Ryan) and four grandchildren, Jack OwenElbert, Emmett Ronin Elbert, McKenna and Charlotte. He is also survived by his "Mexican son" Fernando Hildebrand; his "niece/daughter" Barbara Jean "BJ" Martin Madsen (Scott Madsen) and "Tucson grandsons," Seth, Parker and Ben Madsen. Michael had nine nephews, five nieces, 24 great-nieces and nephews and 15 great-great-nieces and nephews.
Donations can be made in Michael's name to: Saguaro Christian Church, Tucson, AZ or S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A. (The Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America). Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Elbert
Annette See
April 19, 2025
Mike so many wonderful memories...you are truly missed and loved.
Annette See
April 16, 2024
Michael..I miss your smile, your laugh...I just miss you but you will always be remembered. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us.
Annette See
April 16, 2023
I can't imagine it has been three years...I miss your smile, laughter, and love of like.
Annette See
April 16, 2022
Dear Michael...I miss you and Gwen but know you are both free of pain and looking down on all of us here.
Bev and Rick
April 16, 2022
Remembering Michael in so many ways! When visiting them in Arizona, he was always a delightful host and made the visit so much fun. Sending love to the whole family!
Ron Carlotti
October 30, 2021
Mike was one of my roommates at Linsly in Wheeling, West Virginia, and everyone who knew him liked him. We felt so sorry for him after his father died and Mike cried himself to sleep. No more years as Mike must be in Heaven with all other family who went before him.
Annette See
April 27, 2021
Michael you will be missed by so many but thanks for the laughter, love and friendship over the years. May you soul rest in peace
Bev and Rick Ratcliffe
April 26, 2021
We love you and want to share this photo of Mike and Gwen in the choir family at Ferndale First UMC in Michigan. They were strong supporters of the church and its music program!
Doris Harmon
April 26, 2021
He was a delightful, joyful and exuberant man. One of my favorite comments I ever heard Gwen make about being married to Michael was
"she had never been bored being married to him". I shall miss his presence and his joyful spirit and his lovely voice.
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Funeral services provided by:
Bring's Broadway Chapel - Tucson6910 East Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85710
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