Charley L. Savage

Charley “Chuck” Leland Savage, born May 29, 1940, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, hard work, and deep love for his family. Chuck was born at home in Burlington, IA, to Paul Worley and Vergie Fern Marie Duke. He grew up on a farm with strong values that guided him throughout his life. Chuck attended country school in Iowa, an experience he often spoke about fondly. He later graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Civil Engineering. On May 29, 1965, he married Geraldine Gayle Tripp in Lamoni, Iowa, and together they built a life centered on family, church, and shared experiences. Chuck and Geraldine were blessed with four children: Tad (Kalista Blocher), Robin (Alan Swinford), Heidi (Mark Swift), and Kimberly (Matt Seidl). He was a proud grandfather to 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, all of whom brought him immense joy. Chuck dedicated his professional life to public service, working as a civil engineer for the Army Corps of Engineers. Over the course of his career, he contributed to numerous large-scale projects in the Midwest, including Red Rock and Saylorville Dams in Iowa, various levees, Lake Michigan breakwaters, and built the post office in South Bend, IN, leaving a lasting impact on the communities he served. He was also deeply involved in his church, Community of Christ, where he faithfully served and ultimately reached the position of Elder. He served as pastor for different congregations and as a board member of Camp Quarryledge. Outside of work, Chuck embraced life fully. He had a passion for biking and spent many memorable years riding across Iowa on RAGBRAI alongside family and friends. He and Geraldine also enjoyed traveling the country by RV, making cherished visits to loved ones near and far. At home, Chuck found great satisfaction in working with his hands. Whether at his workbench and home projects, or tending to his yard, he took pride in making his home a place of beauty and comfort. Chuck will be remembered for his steady presence, strong work ethic, and the deep love he had for his family. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Gloria Loper (John), Donna Aukerman (Dan), Patsy Downer (Max), Paula Rieke (Rodney), and a brother Jackie Savage (Cyndra). He is survived by his wife, four children, grandchildren (Nick, Noah and Taylor Savage, Gabrielle (Joseph) and Mila Johnson, Peyton Swinford, Jordan, Mackenzie and Devon Elmer, Cole, Emma, Madelyn and Brennan Seidl, two brothers Danny Savage (Connie-deceased), Rickie Savage (Diane), and two half-brothers Bryan Savage, David Savage (Charmin), and numerous in-laws. A Celebration of Life is being planned with details shared at a later date.