Michael L. Combes, 82, of Marinette, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on June 19, 2026 after a three-month illness. He was born September 13, 1943 in Marinette to Everett and Lucile (Bouche) Combes and was a lifelong twin city resident. At a young age he moved to Menominee with his family and was a graduate of Menominee High School. From 1965 to 1968 Mike served his country in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of service in Germany and the Vietnam War.
Mike’s working career was spent as a millwright with Scott Paper Co., later Kimberly-Clark, all in the Marinette mill. Time spent with family and friends was always important. He enjoyed getting together, being supportive and helping others as needed. Family holidays and get-togethers were a tradition for many years. Travel and vacation, usually around Wisconsin and the U.P. were enjoyed often with family. Over the years special trips and family vacations were taken to Hawaii, Germany, London and Alaska; first on a family cruise and the second time around on a special fishing trip with friend, Wayne and family. Several family vacation trips were to Florida (including Disney), Tennessee and “Out West”.
Mike enjoyed living “in the woods” for the last almost 50 years. The many birds and various wildlife around their home gave him much pleasure. Several bird feeders and bird baths were provided. Many cats found a home with us also. All were rescues with some actually finding us. Mike could not turn away a cat that needed a home and all became a special part of the family. Over the many years, two things Mike always enjoyed were eating out for breakfast at the Serving Spoon and dinner with family and friends at area restaurants.
He was a member and Life Sponsor of Ducks Unlimited (committee member, Marinette Chapter), a life member of the Marinette Elks Lodge, a member of Menominee American Legion Post 146 and a life member of the M&M Great Lakes Sports Fishing Club and always looked forward to helping with the Kid’s Fishing Derby.
Mike was a longtime member and volunteer at St. James Lutheran Church until it closed and was now a member of Zion Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife, Linda (Zoellner) Combes; their daughter, Holly Lynn Thede and son-in-law, Dana Thede along with his beloved granddaughter, Lindsey, who were all in his last thoughts and concerns. He is further survived by a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Debra and Jerry Menacher; a brother-in-law, Darwin “Red” Tevebaugh; and nieces and nephews, Brian (Erin) Menacher, Beth (Josh) Eggleston, Kim (Brian) Dorney, Cindy Massey, LuAnne (Jim) Dorney and Larry Van Vleet.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Sandra (Combes) Tevebaugh.
Visitation will be at Zion Lutheran Church in Marinette on Wednesday, July 15th beginning at 9 a.m. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Amanda Kossow officiating. After a luncheon at the church, burial with Military Honors will be at Forest Home Cemetery in Marinette.
Mike’s final wish was to be at home with his family. Unity Hospice made it possible along with the additional assistance of Cornerstone Health Services. Our thanks to all the staff from Unity and Cornerstone for the special care they provided along with the support and care so kindly offered by friends and neighbors.
A memorial fund has been established.
Hansen-Onion-Martell funeral home is assisting the family.
