Brian Bortell
Brian R. Bortell, of Havana, Illinois, died peacefully at the age of 83 on April 23, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at his daughters’ home in Cary, North Carolina.
Born in Peoria, Illinois, on December 19, 1941, to Glen and Mary Bortell, Brian was an exceptional student with a brilliant mind, starting first grade at age 4 and going on to receive his Master’s Degree in Analytical Mathematics from Michigan State University in 1965. Only his thesis remained to complete his PhD when he opted to shift focus to his growing family.
Brian went on to work as a software developer for Ford Motor Company for over 35 years. Residing in Plymouth, MI, he was an extraordinary father to his four children, John, Andy, Maria, and Katie, and a faithful, steadfast companion to his wife, Dorothy. Brian was a fantastic grandfather to seven. Upon retirement Brian returned to his beloved hometown of Havana, IL, and spent the last two years of his life living in Cary, NC, with his wife and his daughters’ family.
Brian loved the Chicago Cubs and singing along to Elvis Presley. He was an avid movie buff—from sci-fi to drama—and read voraciously. He adored animals, especially dogs, and was awed by the beauty of nature. Brian always had a passion for space and wanted to travel amongst the stars, even being accepted to NASA, although he chose to put his family first.
Brian had the most contagious, full-hearted belly laugh and could get an entire group laughing to the point of tears. He was always quick with a joke to lighten a mood and liberal with his enveloping hugs. Although he was a man of few words, Brian had only friends and made no enemies, blessing and enriching the lives of everyone in his orbit.
Brian was a devoted Christian who served as a deacon at Canton Calvary Assembly of God in Canton, MI, and later at First Baptist Church in Havana, IL. Brian believed in love and compassion above all and was always willing to help. He was a gentle and comforting presence with an abundance of patience. Brian lived a life of service to others, always putting the needs and feelings of others before his own. The heavens are surely rejoicing his arrival as he finally takes that journey through the stars.
Brian is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Dorothy Bortell; son Andrew Bortell and grandchild Alex Bortell; daughter Maria Bortell; daughter Kathleen and her husband Craig Lukasik and grandchildren Ezra and Silas Lukasik; grandchildren Jessica, Jacob, Jenna, and Julia Bortell; brother Ted and his wife Debbie and their son TJ Bortell; sister Glenda and her husband Joe Towery and their two daughters Shannon Roat and Christie Towery and their son Tad Towery; great-nieces Brittany Roat-Sarff, Cassy Roat-Rhinehart, Ellie Roat, Elizabeth Towery, and Willa Towery; great-nephews Christopher Towery and Truman Towery; great-great-niece Emerson Sarff; and several cousins.
Brian was preceded in death by his son, John Bortell; his brother Glen (Glenda’s twin); parents Glen and Mary Bortell; grandparents Frank and Lucy Rudolph and Samuel and Ida Mae Bortell; and several ‘really good boy’ canine companions.
Brian wished to be cremated and for his remains to be buried alongside his family in his hometown. A memorial service (with the option of virtual attendance) will be held this summer in Havana, IL. Details to be announced.