Norman Matt Bellaver, 95, of Hillsboro, died peacefully at 9:21 a.m. Monday, April 6, 2026, at Tremont Ridge Assisted Living in Hillsboro.
A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Hough-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Mr. Bellaver was born in Hillsboro to John and Lorene (Henneke) Bellaver on Dec. 31, 1930. He was raised in Hillsboro, where he attended local schools and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1948. In 1956, he married the former Patty Louise Urbancsik; together they raised a daughter and lived a good life.
Mr. Bellaver proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1955. Following his service, he worked as a bricklayer for many years, earning the nickname ‘Bricky.’
He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, especially spending time with family and friends. Mr. Bellaver had a passion for gardening, taking pride in growing both vegetables and flowers, and had a special love for plants of all kinds. He also looked forward to his weekly gatherings with friends, where they shared meals and played cards.
Mr. Bellaver was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lorene; wife, Patty; and siblings, Ramon Bellaver, Herman Bellaver, Audrey Tobias and Norma Longworth.
Mr. Bellaver is survived by his daughter, Michelle (Dan) White of Irving; grandchildren, Nic (Kate) White and Morgan (Andrew) Jorn; great-grandchildren, Tessa White and Garrett White; and sister, Corrine (Guy) Sheridan.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations honoring Mr. Bellaver be made to Tremont Ridge Assisted Living, 801 E. Tremont St., Hillsboro, IL 62049; St. Agnes Building Fund, PO Box 98, Hillsboro, IL 62049; and/or Montgomery County Meals on Wheels, PO Box 144, Taylor Springs, IL 62089. To share condolences online please visit www.houghdeanfh.com.
