David Punt
June 25, 1966 - June 16, 2025
Obituary
David Punt, 58, of Billings, Montana, passed away on June 16, 2025, just nine days before his 59th birthday. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on June 25, 1966, David was adopted as an infant through the Children’s Home Society by Jeanne Marilyn (Maurer) and David Clifford Punt. He grew up in Burnsville and later Wayzata, Minnesota, alongside his beloved sister, Wendy Rae (Punt) Liska.
David’s childhood was rich with memories of backyard skating rinks, building with Legos, playing hockey, fishing on Lake Minnetonka and Grass Lake, and BMX biking—adventures that shaped his loyal and adventurous spirit. He attended Burwell Elementary and Wayzata Junior and Senior High before graduating from Minnetonka High School in 1985. He was confirmed at Wayzata Community Church, beginning a faith journey that would deepen and sustain him throughout his life.
In 1986, David entered the U.S. Army and served proudly for seven years, with deployments in Germany, Operation Desert Storm, and with the elite 82nd Airborne Division. Following an honorable discharge, he pursued a career in law enforcement. He graduated from the Police Academy in Bozeman and joined the Billings Police Department in 1993, serving with distinction for 27 years until his retirement in 2020. In retirement, he continued his commitment to service through involvement with Faith Chapel and work with the U.S. Marshals Service.
On June 22, 2024, David married Gail Michelle Tomlin, whose love brought him peace, joy, and renewed purpose. Their marriage, though brief in time, was rich in depth and transformation. Those closest to them witnessed something extraordinary: two lives—knit together in love, grace, and mutual trust. As one friend shared, “What a gift they were to each other. It was kind of miraculous, really—but then, how like God to give them this season of joy, even if short in our eyes.”
David was a devoted father to Marleigh Jeanne Punt and Tatiana Marie Punt; stepfather to Audrey (Richard) Tietjen and Joshua Michael; and a proud grandfather to Gabriel, Lane, and Blair Michael. He is also survived by his wife Gail, foster parents Andy and Ruth Borash, and foster brothers Craig, Eric, and Jeremy, biological mother Cindy (Rich) Raymond; siblings Eli (Megan) Raymond and Adam (Hannah) Raymond, sister Wendy (David) Liska; nephew Oliver and niece Mabel.
He was preceded in death by his adoptive parents, Jeanne and David Punt, and grandparents Eva Grant Punt and Eleanore and Dan Maurer.
David had a deep love for cars, firearms, the outdoors, and good conversation—but above all, he loved people. He was a steady, calm presence with a cheerful heart, living out Proverbs 15:13: “A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face.” Whether over coffee, a phone call, or even while playing Call of Duty, David had a way of encouraging others and offering quiet strength.
Though his life was marked by trauma, loss, and hardship, David’s story was one of healing and hope. He came to know Christ in a personal and profound way and grew into a man of faith, humility, and integrity. In his later years, his life reflected a deep peace and a purpose rooted in grace. Friends who only knew him briefly remarked on the transformation they saw in him—a testament to the power of redemption and the enduring influence of love.
Just weeks before his passing, David and Gail enjoyed a meaningful vacation together—a time David described as “the best he had ever experienced.” It was a fitting close to a chapter of renewal, contentment, and joy that defined the last year of his life.
David leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, faith, and resilience. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former colleagues, church community, and all who were blessed to know him. Though we wish there had been more time, we are grateful for the gift of his life—and for the powerful reminder he leaves us: that healing is possible, love transforms, and God’s timing is always purposeful.
A livestream of the service can be viewed here: https://boxcast.tv/view/david-punt-memorial-sqrfg8nkmvy0p2tvicxq
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Erica
Friend •
Dave was a combat veteran, a fellow veteran, a husband, a retired police officer—but to me, he was something even more personal. He was a father figure, a true friend, and a steady source of love and strength in my life. There’s no shortage of words I could use to describe Dave—kind, respectful, strong, intelligent, selfless. But none of them feel quite big enough to hold the full measure of the man he was. He had a way of showing up right when you needed him most. In my darkest moments, Dave found ways to make me laugh, to bring light back into the room, and to remind me—without ever needing to say it—that I wasn’t alone. He loved and cared without judgment. Never once did I feel like I had to earn his support. He gave it freely, without condition, without hesitation. And those hugs—those incredible bear hugs. If you were lucky enough to be wrapped up in one of Dave’s hugs, you know what I mean. It was like being held by someone who could protect you from the entire world. In those arms, you felt safe. You felt seen. You felt loved. Dave carried a quiet wisdom. He never needed the spotlight—his presence was powerful all on its own. He lived with purpose and dignity. He gave and gave, often without being asked, always without complaint. Whether it was his country, his community, or the people he called family—he served all of us with everything he had. And even in the end, he left this world peacefully. I’m so grateful for that. Because a man who gave so much, who endured so much, deserved peace. And I’m grateful—deeply, deeply grateful—to have known him. To have been loved by him. To have called him family. Dave, thank you for your laughter, your strength, your wisdom, and your love. Thank you for the memories and the moments that will live on in the hearts of everyone you touched. I will carry you with me, always. Rest easy, my friend. You’ve earned it.
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Tina Hedin
Friend •
What "?great" times we shared in the ED. Of course, my favorite memory was New Year's Eve 1999/2000 .... my bright idea of shooting off fireworks on Bench instead of my driveway ... and who was parked down the street in their patrol car.... you! Your "encouragement" that that was not the best idea :-D ! Until we shoot fireworks off together again ... Enjoy the afterlife ... I'd tell you to be good, but I know better
TC
Tom Craft
Friend •
Pat Bentz and I spent Friday before his passing, planning a LS6 for his Camero and sprucing up the paint. No words just horrific sadness and loss. Tom Craft
LP
Ladd Paulson
Friend •
Dave I will always remember joking with you about our childhood dirtbike endeavors and how our folks ever let us on them. I'm sorry to miss your service but know I will see you in Heaven. Love ya brother