Gary Punt

Gary Wayne Punt of Pipestone, Minnesota, passed away on November 30, 2024. A lifelong resident of the Pipestone area, he was known for his hard work, generosity, and love for his family and community.

Born in Sioux Center, Iowa and raised on a dairy farm near Pipestone, Gary learned the value of hard work from an early age. He spent his youth milking cows, baling hay, and chopping silage. Though farm work prevented him from playing football, he found joy in singing in the choir and church softball, where he was a skilled first baseman on the Christian Reformed Church team. After graduating from Pipestone High School in 1974, he pursued carpentry at Minnesota West. His professional journey included working at Great Plains Lumberyard, Herb Schmuck Construction, and Bayliner in Pipestone. Wanting more control over his work, he founded Golden Rule Construction of Pipestone, a company that became a cornerstone of the local community for nearly 20 years.

Gary was more than just a successful businessman. He was a mentor who believed in giving opportunities to young people, helping numerous kids in Pipestone learn valuable trades. He viewed his construction company as not just a business, but a platform for building community, offering opportunities to those who needed a leg up. Deeply committed to his faith, he was active in the Christian Reformed Church, serving in various capacities. He was a passionate singer, performing solos at weddings and funerals, and was a long-time member of the Al Opland Singers. His love for music extended to community theater and church productions.

Family was at the heart of Gary's life. He was a loving father to four children and a doting grandfather to eight grandchildren. Known for his legendary grilling skills and massive vegetable gardens, he would frequently offer to fill his children's and grandchildren’s freezers and pantries with home-grown produce, a gesture of love that continued even after they moved away. Recently, he found joy volunteering as a hospital greeter in Pipestone, where his love for connecting with people shined brightly. Throughout his life, his infectious personality meant that everywhere he went, he would strike up conversations and build relationships.

Gary was preceded in death by his father and is survived by his mother, two siblings, three sons, one daughter, and eight grandchildren who will miss him dearly.