Leon E. “Lee” Savard, 87

Leon E. “Lee” Savard, 87, of Marshall, formerly of Tupper Lake, died on Friday, August 23, 2019 at the Reflections Memory Care in Battle Creek surrounded by his family.

Lee was born on May 3, 1932 in Tupper Lake, to Ernest and Leah (Sumire) Savard. He graduated from Tupper Lake High School in 1950. Lee served in the United States Air Force for 20 years.

On September 11, 1952 he married Connie Bodah in Tupper Lake.

Following his retirement from the United States Air Force, Lee helped start the National Bank of Marshall. He later would retire as president of Chemical Bank, Au Gres, Michigan. He was a member of the Catholic Church and would attend Saint Mary Catholic Church in Marshall. Lee was also a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, the VFW, American Legion, and the Lions Club in Tupper Lake.

He enjoyed woodworking, and he stayed active by being outdoors and cutting firewood.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years Connie of Battle Creek; children Paul (Bonnie) Savard of Glenn Falls, New York, Deborah Buczynski of Kalamazoo, Michael Savard of Oakawville Illinois, Donna (Richard) Gelnar of Granite, Oklahoma, and Dianna (Michael) Sobutka of Northville, Michigan; 15 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and a brother Edward (Jeanne) Savard of Tucson, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law David Buczynski in 2001; and a grandson Joseph Buczynski in 2018.

A graveside service will take place at 1p.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Holy Name Cemetery. Family requests memorial contributions to the American Kidney Foundation. Assistance with memorials contributions is available at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Leave a personal message for the Family and sign the online guestbook at www.kempffuneralhome.com