Robert David Graupner (David) was born May 2, 1957, in Salina, Kansas, and died December 20, 2021 in Colorado Springs, CO. He was 64 years old.
David was born to Robert (Bob) Graupner and Barbara (Bobbie) Graupner, the 4th of their 5 children. He grew up in New Jersey, leaving to attend the University of Nebraska, where he met and married Tamlynn (Tammy) Smith. They had three sons together and he was immensely proud of them. His 30-year career in radio broadcasting took him to various communities across the US. He and Tammy subsequently divorced but remained friendly through the years.
He met and married Joanne Bruton in 2001 in Dallas. They retired in 2009 and lived in Northwest Arkansas and North Texas, prior to moving to Colorado Springs in 2016.
David’s love of gardening included growing many orchids. He also raised and released bees as well as providing much needed habitat for them. He loved to tell stories, most of which had little basis in the truth. David was a life-long dog lover and frequently brought his dog to work before retiring.
David is predeceased by his parents Bob and Bobbie Graupner; brother Scott Graupner, and sister Susan Graupner.
He is survived by his wife Joanne Graupner of Colorado Springs, ex-wife Tammy Sallows of Madison, WI; sister Nancy Graupner (Jim), of Brewster, MA, brother Peter Graupner also of MA; sons Dan Graupner (Amy), Ben Graupner, and Neil Graupner (Kelley); grandchildren Stella Graupner, Henry Graupner, Lemuel Graupner, and baby Graupner coming in 2022, all of the Madison, Wisconsin area, in addition to several nieces and nephews, an entire family of in-laws, and beloved pets George and Ira (aka “the puppy brothers”) and kitty Leon.
A memorial service is pending, likely to be held in Wisconsin in the spring. If desired, memorial donations may be made in David’s name to: Pollinator Partnership at: https://www.pollinator.org/donation-tribute
Rebecca Maggart
24 Dec 2021I’m so saddened to hear of the loss of your husband. May your heart rejoice with all the memories you have and may it bring you some peace and comfort. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Love your cousin Becky
Rich King
25 Dec 2021I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to all of David’s family and friends.
Mariska Vermeij
25 Dec 2021David will be missed in a lot of countries around the world. Me and my friends send our condolences all the way from the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, Germany and the UK.
He touched a lot of our lives with his great sense of humor and always a sweet or lovely word to say.
We will miss you David. Thanks for all the fun and great talks ❤️
Gaye Stantis
28 Dec 2021My heart is breaking for the entire family. David was such an irreplaceable, animated personality that brightened a room. The void he has left in his family is huge. My deepest sympathy for this loss. Cherish the memories of happier times. It was a joy to share precious grandchildren with him.
John Kuykendoll
30 Dec 2021Condolences to the families.David was my friend and mentor.I loved and admired his teenage sons.He trusted me with their care.Thanks Joanne for caring for him.He just left the show.Many great memories.Loved this great guy.
Phil Barry
6 Jan 2022I think I’d known David longer than many. He was a PD in the early ‘80’s in Sarasota, when I was a programming consultant at TM in Dallas. What an entertaining visit it was. It was obvious David had a point of view on lots of stuff, loved music and was going places. We hired him at TM shortly after that to run our Standards/MOR Format, and he was off to the races. His road trips with our boss, Neil Sargent were legendary. He was instrumental in coordinating our move to Albuquerque and ended up going back to TM and when I was working for Jones, we acquired TM, I got to work with him again for another few years. RIP old friend. The pleasure was all ours!
Paul Plant
10 Jan 2022David was hugely instrumental in bringing our UK company Wisebuddah Jingles to the US radio market in the mid 2000’s.
We enjoyed many sojourns to European cities back in the days of the NAB radio conference.
He was hugely enthusiastic about everything we did together and I was saddened when he finally hung up his ‘jingle boots’ and took retirement.
He was a one-off and will be sorely missed by many.
Big love from across the pond to all his family and friends at this sad time.
RIP Sir!