Mr. Steven Douglas Punch, 56, of Morganton, passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023.
Steven was born on October 3, 1967 in Catawba County to Dermid Punch and the late Judy Whisnant Watson. He was employed as a general manager with U-HAUL in Hickory.
Survivors include his four children: Brandon Punch, Douglas Punch, Katie Punch and Sarah Punch; grandson, Noah Punch; granddaughters, Naomi Smith and Chloe Smith. Also surviving are his three brothers; Johnnie Punch and wife Tracy, Mark Punch and wife Kim, Josh Morgan, two sisters; Slyvia Isenhour, Lisa Butler and husband Travis, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 2:00 P.M., in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service officiated by Mark Punch.
The family will receive friends following the memorial service on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.
An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is serving the Punch family.
Steve, there are no words. From the first moment we met when you called traffic as a dealer to the awesome times with you being an AFM and General Manager with your fun, quirky comments my heart was so full. I remember each step in your U-Haul career saying “nope, not gonna do that” and then you did. You were such a great friend to all and best friend/side kick to Sal. The dynamic dual! Your appreciation when you volunteered for Salvatore’s band events will never ever be forgotten. So many days I would not have made it through without your shoulder to lean on. Thank you my friend. My heart is shattered and only comforted knowing you are in the most beautiful U-Haul heaven will ever have. Fly high. You are truly missed by everyone you touched with your contagious smile and laugh. 💙🙏💔🙏💙
Steve was one of the most awesome human beings and coworkers I’ve ever met! Not only was he an exceptional manager at U-Haul, but his personality, his character, his humor and his compassion for others will never be forgotten. My heart is broken for his family & our “U-Crew”.
You will be missed
Steve was an amazing person to know. Over the years we built a great relationship. I’m still in utter disbelief and shock that he’s know longer with us. Our U-haul family will never be the same. I’ll remember Steve by 3 things..His love of life, bowling, and U-haul.
Never will there be another Steve Punch! Love you buddy. Rest well.
IM GONNA MISS YOU SO MUCH STEVE , ITS GONNA BE HARD FOR ME TO RETURN TO WORK AND SEE YOU THERE WAITIN FOR ME TO COME THRU THE DOOR TO PUNCH IN ,AND MOST OF ALL CRAKINNJOKES AND THAT LAUGH , STEVE BROTHER IM SO LOST AT THE MOMENT BUT I KNOW YOUR ALLWAYS GONNA BE THERE WHEN I NEEDYOU ,IM SO BROKEN AND LOST , I LOVE YOU BROTHER
Steve, you were such a great friend even when we didn’t see eye to eye. I will miss our 6:45AM calls every day. You will be missed by all and a great loss to Team U-Haul. You are one of kind. I am just lost right now. God Bless your family and your extended family. Rest well my friend. Rest Well
I was new to my job as an Owner’s Rep for U-Haul when I was warned about a guy who managed the U-Haul dealership down the road, “ Be polite, but don’t give him any information. “ It wasn’t long before I met Steve. Sure enough, he had questions. Of course, I evaded answering them. He just grinned and then began to tell me the entire scope of my project! I realized then, that I had met the “Mr. U-Haul” of Hickory. What I didn’t realize was that he was the future of the store I was building as well. Steve, you did me proud. I will miss the grin, the cheerfulness (even when complaining!), and the dedication you had. Thank you.
Godspeed Mr. U-Haul, you are already missed.
Steve Punch- Best Boss Ever!! You started as a friend, behaved like a brother, became my boss, then my family! I miss you friend.
Bud we sure are going to miss you…Jody&Tina Stogner
I went to school with Steve…I was shocked to learn of his passing. My heart goes out to his family, and friends. Awesome guy. RiP Steve.
Steve you will forever be in my heart-you are a mentor, friend, and family (even though not by blood) Life without you in will never be the same. You will be forever missed – Until we meet again!
I went to school with Steve and Mark for as far back as I can remember. To Mark and family- I am sorry for your loss. Prayers for God’s peace and comfort in the days ahead.
I’ve known the Punch’s a long time. I’ve always thought highly of them. Went to school with them. I was shocked to see the passing of Steve. My prayers go out to all of his family.
I go to church with Mark and his family and I just want to say that my prayers go out to them and may God give them comfort and peace during this time of grief.
I had the pleasure of just seeing Steve about a week ago and catching up on old times from our childhood. That was such a great conversation. I would not have dreamed that would be the last time. Always smiling and positive. Steve will surely be missed.
So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. Blessings to the family. God will see you through. I worked with Steve during his time at Hardee’s. Enjoyed those times!
Lisa Butler, I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family 🙏🙏
Steve was an amazing person. I’ve work with Steve as a former Self Storage oner & Uhaul dealer. I always looking forward to talking with him. My sincere condolences to his family…truly a tragic loss….
I remember Steve most while we were at Hildebran Jr. High. He was always smiling and cracking a joke. I always enjoyed being around him…he was a good friend. Sending my sincere condolences to his Family…I’m sure Steve cherished each one of you. I hope all of you find comfort in the Bible’s promise of a Resurrection when you will see your beloved Steve again. (Acts 24:15; John 5:28,29).