David Punt

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