John Comber

John Douglas Comber, 89, of Charlevoix, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 10, 2023, at the Charlevoix Hospital.  He was born on January 1, 1934, in Flint, MI, the son of Vernon and Rosa (Taylor) Comber.

John graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1952, and shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1954 at the end of the Korean War.  Upon returning home, he married Kathleen Myers on January 26, 1957, and attended Michigan State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business.  He then operated the Dayton Street Comber’s Market in Flint which was one of three stores his father had opened.  Years later, he taught business and finance classes at Grand Blanc High School, Baker College, and Northwestern University.

John and his wife retired to the home he built on Torch Lake in the late 80’s before moving to Charlevoix around 2010.  John and Kathleen attended Belltower Reformed Church in Ellsworth for many years.  He loved meeting new people and hearing the different stories everyone had to tell.  Over the years he enjoyed wood carving, fishing, swimming, and playing chess and rook.  He will be remembered for his outgoing personality and his humor, which was quick-witted until the very end.

John is survived by his loving children, Debbie Comber (Dennis Schneider), John (Melanie) Comber; his sister, Dorothy (Don) Teasdale; three grandchildren, Charlie Comber (Natalie Ferrer), Amie Comber, and Noah Comber; and his great-granddaughter, Mara Morley.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathleen Comber; his parents; his brother, Bill Comber; and his sister, Louise Mills.

John’s family will hold a remembrance gathering at the Torch Lake Day Park on Saturday, November 25th at 2:00 p.m.  They would also like those who knew John to leave a memory or picture of him in his online obituary guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.