David Ray Newcomb

David Ray Newcomb, age 73, passed away on January 4, 2024, surrounded by family, after a six-year battle with cancer. He was born February 13, 1950 in Sioux City, IA to Charles and Lillian (Coddington) Newcomb.

A fun-loving adrenaline junkie, Dave loved anything with an engine. He bought motorcycles, dirt bikes, and old cars before he was even old enough to drive. As an adult, he enjoyed ice bike racing, stock car racing, drag racing, and even attempted a few hill climbs, though not without injury. His interest in engines also influenced his career: he retired from John Deere Engine Works after thirty-eight years of service.

A “modern-day cowboy” and a man of action, typically clad in a Harley shirt, jeans and boots, Dave was always tinkering with something. He even tried his hand at harvesting grapes and winemaking. He loved golfing, riding Harleys and horses, tending to his property and pets, and traveling to Daytona, Sturgis/Deadwood and Nashville. More than anything, Dave adored spending time with his wife, kids, and grandkids; and he made sure they always had clean cars and found the cheapest gas.

Dave is preceded in death by his daughter, Robin Newcomb; loving wife Dawn Newcomb; and his parents.

He is survived by his children: Guy (Elizabeth) Newcomb of Savage, MN; Jennifer (Mike) Olson of Orono, MN; Julie (Matt) Vilven of Zimmerman, MN; Lindsey Newcomb of Waterloo, IA; and Levi Newcomb of Coralville, IA; ten grandchildren; two brothers: Guy (Brenda) Newcomb of Sugar Hill, GA and Roger (Wendy) Newcomb of South Sioux City, NE; and a sister, Elaine Davis of Nevada, MO.

A private funeral will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024, followed by a public gathering to share memories and raise a glass in Dave’s honor at the Dew Drop Inn in Gilbertville at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dave’s name to Cedar Valley Hospice or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, his favorite charity. Condolences may be left at:  www.parrottandwoodsfh.com