Dennis W. Stombaugh, age 83, of Niles, MI, completed his earthly journey on August 22, 2026, at Trustwell Living in Dubuque, IA, while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Dennis’ life, a private family burial will be held at the Crumstown Cemetery in North Liberty, IN.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Dennis’ family.

Dennis was born on October 23, 1942, in LaPorte, IN, one of three children to Lawrence and Marianna (Stachowski) Stombaugh.  Family was the center of his world, and Dennis shared an unbreakable bond with his two brothers, whom he cherished throughout his life.  He was gifted with a strong work ethic which he carried proudly, serving as his high school class President at Walkerton High School and he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University.  A devoted Boilermaker, Dennis continued his professional journey at The Associates Investment Company of South Bend, where he worked until his retirement. During retirement, Dennis remained devoted to service, working as a substitute teacher for the South Bend School Corporation.

Dennis was truly blessed to meet and marry the love of his life, Kathleen Medina and the couple lovingly faced the world together each day while hand in hand.  They were blessed with many wonderful years together and three children to love and nurture along the way before Kathleen was sadly called home ahead of him on May 21, 2023, after 55 years together.

Dennis honorably served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, answering the call during the Vietnam War with courage and conviction. His loyalty to our great nation and his dedication to doing what was right were constants in his life, visible to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dennis believed in living a wellbalanced life, always striving to give his best to both his family and his work. His faith in Jesus guided him, and attending church was an important part of his weekly rhythm. In quieter moments, he loved camping, hunting, playing cards and keeping up with politics and world affairs. He was an honorable man in every sense—loyal, thoughtful, sharpminded, and blessed with a quick wit that brightened any day. We are going to miss Dennis dearly and are beyond broken hearted at his much too quick and sudden absence from our lives now.  We are eternally grateful for the time that we had together, especially his final days surrounded by his grandchildren.  We will continue to lean into the legacy he leaves behind as we begin to navigate the most difficult days ahead and are forever grateful for the 83 years the Lord was gracious enough to share Dennis with us.  May the Lord bless and keep you safe in His loving arms until we all meet again.

Those left to cherish the memory of Dennis include:

his three children,
Stella Zmyslo, South Bend, IN,
Steven Stombaugh, Mishawaka, IN,
and Stephenie (Rick) Stanley, Dubuque, IA;

his seven adored grandchildren,
Tyler Zymslo, Hannah Stombaugh, Samual Stombaugh, Brandon Stanley, Sarah Stanley, Nicole Stanley and Lauren Stanley;

Numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, along with extended family, friends and neighbors.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Kathleen Stombaugh; his son-in-law, Mark Zmyslo; and his brothers, Darwin Stombaugh and David Stombaugh.

Dennis’ family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Trustwell Living and Hospice of Dubuque for all their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Dennis’ family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com