David N. Punswick

Known as “Punzy” to his friends

Dave lived with three great loves that shaped every beat of his life: music, cooking, and his faith in Jesus Christ.

His first love was music. He played with several bands through the years, and once opened for Billy Ray Cyrus during his “Achy Breaky Heart” days — a memory he shared often, always quick to say Billy Ray was “a heck of a nice guy.” Dave loved all kinds of music, but his favorites told you who he was: the complexity of King Crimson, Yes, and the hometown groove of Madison’s own Clyde Stubblefield. If you knew Dave, you felt his rhythm.

In the kitchen, Dave brought people together just like he did on stage. He was a soughtafter chef who worked at Madison legends like Smoky’s and Hack’s in Oregon. His ribs, steaks, burgers, and legendary soups were famous for a reason. His masterpiece was the BBQ sauce he created — still sold and enjoyed today. Every jar holds a piece of Dave’s craft and care.

Dave’s most profound transformation came through an encounter with Jesus Christ. He became a loyal, unashamed follower whose faith changed him from the inside out. That change inspired everyone around him. Through battles with cancer and COPD, Dave faced each day with courage because his faith was his anchor. He shared Jesus openly and freely, and his witness was as steady as his drumming and as warm as his cooking.

Dave is survived by his sisters Ellen Broughman of Roanoke, VA, Janet Stevens of Elkhorn, WI, Pam Punswick of Madison, WI, and Donna Punswick of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; brothers Roger Punswick of Madison, WI and Scott (Ruth) Punswick of Waynesboro, VA. He also leaves behind many nephews and nieces that he adored, most especially his beloved niece Cheryl Brandenburg, of Platteville, WI who cared for him so faithfully these last years; and two dear friends who meant the world to him, Judy and Selena.

Dave was preceded in death by his father, Carl Punswick of Oregon, WI; his mother, Helen Tillman Punswick of Waynesboro, VA; and his brothers Steve and Richard, both of Waynesboro, VA. What a reunion that must have been.

Dave left us full — full of music, full of flavor, and full of faith. He’ll be remembered every time a drum is struck, a grill fires up, or someone shares hope with another person.

A celebration of life is being planned and will be posted as soon as possible.