Final Salute

Jerry Frank Savage, 81, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026.

He was born on March 21, 1945, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, to Helen Marie Savage and Jimmie Lee Savage. Jerry was raised with strong values of hard work and discipline, graduating from Bel Aire High School in El Paso, TX before answering the call to serve his country.

Jerry proudly served in the United States Navy for four years, attaining the rank of E5. During his service, he completed two tours in the Vietnam War as a Naval Seabee attached to Marine Corps Battalion 11. His time in the military was a defining chapter of his life, reflecting his courage, commitment, and deep sense of duty.

Following his military service, Jerry built a long and successful career as a Land and Right of Way Negotiator with El Paso Natural Gas. He dedicated 36 years to his profession before retiring, earning the respect of colleagues and peers through his work ethic and integrity.

Jerry will be remembered for his kind heart, sharp sense of humor, and disciplined nature. He had a passion for golf, enjoyed traveling, and was a lifelong history enthusiast. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 270 in Buffalo, MN. Above all, he valued time spent with family and created lasting memories with those he loved. His steady presence, wisdom, and quiet strength will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Savage, of 25 years; his former wife, Janisel Rohs, of 34 years; his children, Adam (Lisa) Savage, Amie (Steven) Ruward, Lauren (Randy) Phillips, and Lisa (Richard) Roach; his grandchildren, Macklin Birt, Addison Savage, Sarah (Easton) Johnson, Gareth (Savanah) Savage, Zachary Phillips, Daniel Phillips, and Adele Ruward; and his great-grandchildren, Lyla Duffney and Guinevere Savage. He is also survived by his siblings, Betty Dowty, Johnny Savage, Carol Kasulaitis and Kathy Hinton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Jimmie Savage; as well as siblings Tiajuana Cummings, Jimmie Savage, Jr., Harold Savage, Betty Lou Katralas, Joy Phillips, and Joan Savage.

Jerry’s life was grounded in faith, and he carried a quiet, Christian belief that guided how he lived and cared for others. His legacy of love, service, and dedication will live on through his family.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Donations in his memory can be made to the following non-profit organizations:

The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

Buffalo Food Shelf

Tunnel to Towers Foundation