Curtis Ardelle Savenko

Curtis Ardelle Savenko, 63 of Venice, FL, grew his angel wings on Tuesday May 21, 2024 and is safe in God's loving arms. Curtis previously lived in MN, OR, AK and WA.

Curtis was born January 1,1961 in Spokane, WA to Jean Jonassen. He grew up in the beautiful lands of the Pacific Northwest, mainly in the Spokane area with his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins through his high school years, graduating from Mead High School in 1979. One of his high school years he spent in Barrow, AK. This made a lasting impression as he would often reminisce of his incredible experiences there.

Curtis spent most of his working life as an Electronics Field Service Technician. He was a people person so this was the perfect job for him, always an opportunity to meet new people and share life stories.

His interests mostly included playing pool, listening to music, fishing, gardening, photography, cooking and home improvements. He tried his hand at hunting briefly but found he enjoyed the nature surrounding him, rescuing and talking to the animals, rather than harming them. He took up photography and captured the beauty of his gardens and the animals it attracted. He planted a vegetable garden, it reminded him of his childhood. He was quite well known for his pepper jelly, made from his homegrown habaneras. Curtis enjoyed grilling too but kicked it up a notch when he got his smoker, often inviting friends over to share in a feast from the smoker.

While living in Oregon Curtis was introduced to Sturgeon fishing. He loved battling the 'big' fish on the Columbia River. He took this passion with him to Minnesota where he enlisted his friends to join him. “The bite may be slow, but the fishing is great.”

Upon his arrival in Venice, FL Curtis quickly learned of a fishing location from Grandpa Engle, the North Jetty. This would be his home away from home for several years and where he learned to fish for sharks, strictly catch and release. He met many wonderful people there who became extended family.

Curtis is survived by his loving wife Jeanne of over 25 years, his mother-in-law Sue Engle, his sister-in-law Debby Bell and niece Christiana Bell. He also leaves behind a step mother and step bothers from the Potter family; Midge, Tom, Jim and Danny as well as aunts, uncles, many cousins and friends, especially Brad Steinman and Anthony Hutchins.

He was preceded in death by his mother and step father, Jean and Phil Brandon, his father T. Duane Potter, his father-in-law Robert Bell, brother-in-law Daniel Bell, his grandparents John and Eleanor Jonassen and Ralph and Dorothy Engle and several aunts and uncles.

A special Thank-you to all his doctors and especially the nurses at FL Cancer Specialists - Venice Healthpark and SMH - Sarasota, 5th floor Infusion Center. These earthly angels took great care of Curtis and he loved you all like family.

Memorial Services will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Venice, FL in the Memorial Garden on June 20, 2024 at 1:30 pm.