Henry 'Vernon' Punt was born on January 7, 1929, in Sioux County, IA, the son of Peter and Gertrude (Kroon) Punt. In 1939, his family moved to the Aurora Center, SD area. Vernon attended country school through the eighth grade. At the young age of 15, he began working at the Aurora Center Garage.
He was united in marriage to Phyllis Jena Bruinsma on January 26, 1950, in Stickney, SD. The couple started farming in 1950. Vernon began his lifelong career in trucking in 1956. In 1957, the family moved to a farm near Stickney that would be their home for 59 years. In 2016, Vernon celebrated 60 years of Punt Trucking. At that time, he retired from the business, and he and Phyllis moved into Stickney.
Vernon was proud to be part of the Stickney community and was involved in many community activities. Over the years, he served on the Township Board, School Board and Community Club. He was a charter member of the South Dakota Trucking Association. Vernon was also a member of Aurora Reformed Church. Throughout his life. Vernon enjoyed following his children in their activities, bowling, and the Punt family camping trip.
Vernon believed in living his life through hard and honest work. It was those traits Vernon instilled in his family, encouraging them to work hard. Faith was also very important to him; he and Phyllis raised their family to be followers of Christ.
Vernon passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 27. 2019 at his home under hospice care at the age of 90. Grateful to have shared his life is his wife of 69 years, Phyllis Punt, of Stickney, SD; four sons, Robert (Brenda) Punt, of Stickney; Dale (Nancy) Punt of Denver, CO; Alvin (Gail) Punt, of Sioux Falls, SD and Roger (Kandy) Punt, of Stickney, SS; two daughters, Mary Lou (Arlan) Burggraaf, or Brandon, SD and Betty (Bob) Polly of Mitchell, SD; 14 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren; one brother, Adames Punt (Sarah), of Stickney; one sister, Shirley Tolsma, of Mitchell and one sister-in-law, Philomena Punt, of Sioux Falls, as well of a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Vernon is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Richard, Dwaine and Gershom Punt and two sisters, Harriet Kuyper and Donna Gattendorf.