David "Dave" Minter, age 69, of Savanna, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date.
Dave was born on September 13, 1956, and from a young age, it was clear he was his own person. He grew up in Evanston, Illinois, where he attended local schools and graduated from Evanston Township High School.
For much of his professional life, Dave channeled his creativity into his work as a producer in creative services for the McDonald's Corporation. There, he was responsible for producing videos and various forms of media, leaving a lasting mark through his professional storytelling and technical skill. Later in life Dave moved to Savanna, where he worked at Elkay until his retirement.
Beyond his career, Dave was a man of distinct passions and a truly unique character. An "old soul" at heart, he found great joy in the simple things: a good meal, an episode of an antique show, or the timeless melodies of "oldies" music. He was a gifted musician in his own right, often found with a guitar or lap steel in his hands, expressing himself through the music he loved so dearly.
Dave was known for being a free spirit who lived life on his own terms. While he could be a bit bullheaded at times, it was simply a reflection of his strong-willed nature and the fact that he was truly his own man. Above all, he cherished the precious time he spent with his sweetheart, Linda.
Dave is survived by his significant other, Linda Hernandez of Savanna; his three children, Patrick Minter, Shannon Martinez, and Jon Minter; his many grandchildren and "bonus" grandchildren; and his aunt, Betty.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
309 Chicago Ave, Savanna, IL 61074

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