John E. Combs

John E. Combs obituary, Dubuque, IA

John E. Combs

John Combs Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service on Jul. 21, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

John E. Combs, 74, of Dubuque, died Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.
The Funeral Service for John will be at 10:00 am on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will be at Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque. Full military honors will be rendered by American Legion Post #6.
John was born November 22, 1950, in Blue Earth, MN, the son of J.C. and Irene (Steinbach) Combs. On June 19, 1976, he married Nettie I. Miller at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Dubuque.
John graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1970 and enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War Era.
He worked for John Deere in Davenport and Dubuque for 31 years.
John had a lifelong love of hunting, especially deer hunting. An avid sports enthusiast, he enjoyed both playing and watching sports. He spent many hours golfing, playing softball, and bowling. John was proud to serve on the alumni board for his graduating class, helping to organize luncheons and events to keep his classmates connected. He was also a dedicated and active member of the VFW, where he gave his time and support to fellow veterans and his community.
Survivors include his wife, Nettie Combs; one son, Jason Combs of Dubuque; three sisters, Janet Grass, Jolene Petesch, Julie (Dennis) Guglielmotto; one brother, Greg Combs; siblings-in-law, Sally Miller, Jan Miller, and Charlie (Marie) Miller; brother by choice, Dennis Van Cleve, and the rest of the Van Cleve family; along with many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, William Brown; and three brothers-in-law, Curt Petesch, Art Miller Jr., and Bob Miller.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Make a Donation
in John Combs's name

How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John Combs's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign John Combs's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?