Robert Punton

   Robert “Rob” Punton, 73, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, surrounded by his family after a hard-fought battle with metastatic melanoma and Parkinson’s disease. 

   Rob was born January 24, 1953, in Fargo to Ralph and Helen (Olstad) Punton. He grew up on the family farm near Ayr, where he developed a deep love for farming and the land. On June 20, 1973, he married Jenifer (Baumler). Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work while farming and raising their three daughters.

 Rob loved the outdoors—especially hunting, golfing, flying, and spending time at the lake with family and friends. He was a lifelong baseball fan and loved teaching his grandsons his curveball. He will be remembered for his steady presence, kind heart, and the pride he took in his family. Being a husband, father, and grandpa brought him great joy, and he treasured watching his family grow. He especially enjoyed gaining the sons he never had in Jonathan, Jay, and Tom.   

   Rob’s faith was an important part of his life. Even in difficult seasons, he remained grateful for the friendships, experiences, and many blessings he received.   

   He is survived by his wife, Jenifer; his daughters, Amy (Jonathan) Warrey, Melissa (Jay) Oberlander, and Jesse (Tom) Ostrowski; his beloved grandchildren, Grace (Bennett), Owen, Gavin, Ian, Parker, Lydia, and Ellen; his mother, Helen; his sisters, Susan Opp and Cindy (Mike) Whitmore; along with many extended family members and dear friends.   

   He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Punton; father-in-law Clarence Baumler; mother-in-law Margaret (Dooley) Baumler; brother-in-law Arnie Opp; and nephew Todd Opp.     

 In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, HIA Hospice, or a charity of your choice.  

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the care teams at Roger Maris Cancer Center and HIA Health for the compassionate care they provided to Rob and our family.

Memorial Service:   Friday, March 27 at 12:30 p.m. at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Casselton, with visitation one hour prior.

Interment: Following the service at St Leo’s Catholic Cemetery, Casselton, ND.

A celebration of Rob’s life will follow from 2–5 p.m. at Lone Oak Farm in Ayr.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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