Bob Newcomb, 89

Pastor Bob Newcomb lived a life of service and compassion. His Lutheran faith was a central part of his life, and he touched the lives of many through grace and unconditional love. Bob saw the potential in every person and was well-known for his sense of humor and positivity. To know Bob was to love Bob! 

Bob went to meet the Lord on Aug. 16, 2024. He spent the last week of his life surrounded by his family and took part in one final communion with them. He was born in Volga, S.D., on April 16, 1935, shortly before his identical twin brother, Ben. Bob was the oldest of six children born to Charles (Chuck) and Camilla Newcomb. The family grew up on farms around Sioux Falls, S.D.

Bob graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. He received a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., and a Master of Psychology from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minn. Bob also completed a one-year Clinical Pastoral Training Course and served in the Army Reserves as a 2nd Lieutenant.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, he was a four-sport athlete in high school and college. Bob was an All-American college football center and played semi-pro baseball with his twin brother, Ben. He enjoyed many years of church league softball, snow and water skiing, hunting, and was very passionate about his golf game. 

Marlys Rush entered Bob’s life in 1957 shortly before he graduated from Augustana College. They were married June 3, 1958 in Sioux Falls and recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. Marlys is also the oldest in a set of twins. 

Bob served as pastor at Lutheran congregations in Redondo Beach, Calif.; Malibu, Calif.; and Hayden, Idaho. He was the executive director of Lutheran camps at Camp Hemohme in Wrightwood, Calif.; El Camino Pines in Frazier Park, Calif.; and Camp Lutherhaven in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Bob was a counselor with practices in Hayden and Coeur d’Alene, and he also opened a North Idaho office for Lutheran Community Services Northwest (formerly Lutheran Social Services). At the end of his career, he provided resources for congregations through Thrivent Financial (formerly Lutheran Brotherhood). 

Bob served on many boards and committees throughout his life, including the first Hospice of North Idaho Board of Directors, the Pacific Lutheran University Board of Regents and is a former Hayden Rotarian. He loved being a 4-H leader and led swine projects for many years. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Chuck and Camilla Newcomb. He is survived by his wife, Marlys of Spokane Valley, Wash.; daughter Jody (Dan) of Spokane, Wash.; son Jeff (Christina) of Hayden Lake, Idaho; son Jon of Spokane, Wash.; 10 grandchildren: Ashley and Jack, Tim and Alisyn, Josh and Tori, Lydia, Mary and Anna, and Ellie; four great-grandchildren: Daniel, Cole, Stella and Ruby, with one great-grandson (Charlie) on the way; five siblings; five sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren. 

A celebration of life will take place Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Lutherhaven (3258 W. Lutherhaven Road, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho), casual attire at Bob’s request. A recording of the service will be available Saturday morning using a link from his online obituary at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be directed to Lutherhaven Ministries at Lutherhaven.com, or 3258 Lutherhaven Road, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. 

The family thanks the staff at Orchard Crest in Spokane Valley, Wash., for their dedicated compassion and care in addition to the staff of Hospice of Spokane for their care during his last month.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Bob’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.