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 25 th 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 La Belle High School in La Belle, 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. Will 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 by his wife of 70 years, Nadine; children, Don (Linda) Savage of Sutter, Illinois, and
Tammy (Jeff) Brower of Cape Coral, Florida; Eight grandchildren, Michelle (Tim Craig) 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; his daughter in law, Peggy 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 sent to Bethlehem United Church of
Christ, 964 E Co Rd 550, Warsaw, IL 62379 or Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905. Printy
Funeral Home of Warsaw is in charge of arrangements.