I asked my son to write the obituary for his father, and so now, I share it with you.  

Ian Case Punnett died on December 22, 2023.  

Ian hosted weekends on the nationally syndicated show Coast to Coast with Ian Punnett, as well as local shows in the Twin Cities, Atlanta, Nashville, Chicago, and the Quad-Cities over his lengthy radio career.  

 He received his Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary and went on to receive his Doctor of Philosophy in Journalism and Mass Communication from Arizona State University. He was ordained as a deacon in the Episcopal Church and served in that role for many years, though to his friends and family (and frankly anyone with his phone number), his ministry was always available.  

 Ian was inducted into the Kansas Association of Broadcasting Hall of Fame in October 2023. For the last five years, Ian taught journalism at Kansas State University and ran the college radio station there. He took great pride in his student-staff and in Wildcat 91.9. In 2023, Wildcat 91.9 was named one of best college radio stations in the country by The Intercollegiate Broadcasting System. 

 He was a writer and authored several books including How to Pray When You Are Pissed at God, How Millennials Can Lead Us Out of the Mess We’re In: A Jew, a Muslim, and a Christian Share Leadership Lessons from the Life of Moses, and A Black Night for the Bluegrass Belle. In addition, Routledge Press published his dissertation, Toward a Theory of True Crime Narratives. Children know him as the author of Dizzy the Mutt with the Propeller Butt and Jackula the Vampire Dog. 

 Ian was a caring, intelligent, and generous man. He never hesitated to extend a hand to those in need or give his time to those in suffering. His deep Christian piety was matched by genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for all forms of faith. He always stood up for a just cause and was fearless in facing all obstacles. He was endlessly creative and never missed an opportunity for a funny bit. He was a loyal friend, a loving husband and excellent father. 

Best to the Nest is our podcast all about creating strong, comfortable, beautiful nests that prepare us to fly. 

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