John T. Biever

John T. Biever, 89, of Aurora, Il., passed away on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at Alden of Waterford in Aurora, Il.  John was born on February 8, 1932, in Aurora, Il., the son of Clarence and Pauline (nee. Houlne) Biever.  John was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Martens on March 2, 1974 in Aurora, Il. 

John was one of the finest athletes to ever come out of the Aurora area.  John starred for the West Aurora Blackhawks in football, basketball, golf, and track from 1947-1950, earning 14 varsity letters.  He was a 2-time all-conference end on the football team and was a 3-time all-conference cager.   John led the Blackhawks to third place in the 1949 state basketball tournament, earning all-tournament honors.  As a senior John was named to the all-state first team in both football and basketball and was a state qualifier in the high hurdles.  He was a charter member of the West Aurora H. S. Athletic Hall of Fame and also an inductee into the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame.   

After high school John matriculated at Northwestern University, continuing his athletic excellence by earning three varsity letters in basketball, captaining the team his senior year, and two in football.  Upon graduation with a degree in Education, after a brief stint in the Navy, John returned to Aurora to raise his family and help his father and his uncle Carl run the family business - Biever Furniture, a staple in downtown Aurora since 1881.  When the furniture store closed in the early 1970’s, he embraced a second career at Aurora Home Savings & Loan.  He worked at Home Savings until his retirement, working his way up from a teller to branch manager.  Many friends and wonderful relationships were established there, the most important being meeting his second wife and life partner, Barbara.  

John was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was truly important – the simplicity of living a life surrounded with those you love.  Friends and family will remember John as a fierce competitor, but also fair, loyal, and compassionate.  With John there was no judgment, just laughter.  He was a beloved and loving son, husband, brother, father, uncle, grandfather and friend.  He was a lifelong Auroran and an avid West Aurora Blackhawk booster.  Some may remember John’s athletic exploits, but all who knew him remember his sense of humor, generosity and kindness.

John is survived by his children, Leigh (Monte) Beck of Encinitas, CA, John (Shelley) Biever of Minden, NE, Doug Biever of Bloomington, IL, Stephanie (Doug) Lee of Elburn, IL, Tiffany Guzman of Aurora, IL, his grandchildren, Zack Guzman, Briana and Colton Lee, Charlie and Grady Beck, Quinn and Cullen Biever; three nieces, one nephew, many cousins, and more friends than one can count.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Barbara Biever, and his sister and best friend Barbara Morrow.

 A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Interment will be next to his wife at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Aurora, IL.

For additional information please contact Moss Family Funeral Home at (630) 879-7900 or www.mossfuneral.com.