Michael Ray Newcomb

Michael Ray Newcomb passed away on August 17, 2026, at the age of 74.

Mike was a true free spirit who lived life on his own terms. He loved deeply, laughed often, and never needed an excuse to throw a karaoke party or enjoy good music, good friends and family, and have a good time. Those who knew Mike know that he had a generous heart and was always willing to lend a hand, help someone through a difficult time, or use his many talents to fix something that needed repair. And there wasn't much Mike couldn't fix. A gifted and resourceful handyman, he could build, repair, or remodel just about anything. Over the years, he renovated homes, finished basements, built garages and tackled countless projects for family and friends.

Mike graduated from John Marshall Highschool in Rochester in 1970. He joined the Army Reserves in September of 1970 and served as a Medic through 1976. He married Gayle Burt on July 17, 1971. They had a son, Travis Newcomb and a daughter, Tina Swanson-Fix. They divorced in 1994. Michael married Karen Toussel in July, 2003.

Mike worked with cars throughout High School and most of his life. He managed an auto body shop at American motors in White Bear Lake, MN. He later returned to Rochester and opened his own auto body shop called "Precision Reconditioning and Refinishing." He was a great auto-body technician and worked on cars for many years. He then worked as an insurance adjuster for American Family Insurance for 25 years before beginning a second chapter doing the hands-on work that came so naturally to him. He worked as a handyman for extended stay properties and senior living communities, where his ability to solve problems, and his willingness to help people made him especially well-suited for the work.

Most important to Michael were the relationships he built throughout his life. He loved his family and friends deeply and had a way of making life a little more interesting and a lot more fun. He will be remembered for his free spirit, his generosity, his love of music, his ability to fix just about anything, and the unmistakable way he embraced life.

Michael was preceded in death by his father Earl Ray "Bud" Newcomb, his mother, Eileen Theresa Newcomb (Fugleberg), and his grandparents, Elmer and Ida Newcomb and Helmer and Hazel Fugleberg. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply - wife Karen Toussel, son Travis Newcomb, daughter Tina Swanson-Fix, son-in-law Jeff Fix, and 7 grandchildren: Mallory Molling, Delaney, Presley and Aubrey Newcomb, Natalie, Tyler and Nicolas Swanson along with many friends and loved ones whose lives are better because Mike was part of them. His absence will be felt profoundly, and he will be missed more than words can say.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 30th from 1-4pm at Whistle Binkies North in Rochester. In the spirit of Mike, come as you are, bring a story, share a laugh, and help us celebrate a life that was uniquely and unapologetically his.