Willard James Savage

Willard James Savage, 90, of Sutter, Illinois passed away at River Hills Assisted Living in Keokuk, Iowa on February 5, 2024, surrounded by his loving family on the 25th anniversary of his son Robert’s passing.

Will was born June 9, 1933, in Deer Ridge, Missouri, the son of Wesley and Alice (Menke) Savage. He graduated from Labelle High School in Labelle, Missouri. He was united in marriage to Nadine Koehler on November 7, 1953, at Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Sutter, Illinois. Will always put God and his family first.

Will was a lifelong farmer and mechanic in the Sutter area. He owned and operated Will’s service center for many years. He had a creative mind, concocting many innovative and useful solutions on day-to-day items that most others would have used as-is or just thrown away.  Wil could be found on many summer evenings with Nadine watching his children and then grandchildren play softball, and he wouldn’t hesitate to pick up a glove and play catch with them. He was an avid Cubs fan and mushroom hunter. He enjoyed putting puzzles together, playing pool, wintering in Texas, and passing his love for Roger Miller songs down to his children and grandchildren. Will was a long-time member of Bethlehem United Church of Christ where he served in various capacities on the Church Council.

Will is survived his wife of 70 years, Nadine; children, Don (Linda) Savage of Sutter, Illinois, and Tammy (Jeff) Brower of Cape Coral, Florida; Eight grandchildren, Michelle Tinder of Ft. Madison, Iowa, Rex Savage of Hamilton, Illinois, Chad (Elizabeth) Savage of Denmark, Iowa, Megan Savage of Windsor, Colorado, Greg (Katie) Savage of Carthage, Illinois, Kelsey (Peter) Davis of Aurora, Colorado, Shelby Kropp of Aurora, Colorado and Taylor Kropp of Des Moines, Iowa; he is also survived by nine great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Robert Savage; a grandson, Rhett Savage; a great grandson, Edison Savage; a brother, Lee Savage; and a sister Gladys Tague.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Sutter. Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw is in charge of arrangements.