November 9, 1948 - May 21, 2024
Patrick Joseph Travis, 75, recently of Lakeland, Florida, passed away Tuesday evening, May 21st, 2024, while traveling with his wife, Theresa in Spearfish, South Dakota.
Pat was born to Ralph F. and Leona M. (Maher) Travis on November 9th, 1948, in Hamburg, Iowa. He was the third of four children born of this union. He was descendant, on both sides, of family long settled in Southwest Iowa. Patrick was raised in the area, culminating with his graduation from Sidney High School in 1966. Following, he pursued a B.S. in business at Iowa State concurrent with committing to his enlistment in the United States Marine Corp’s officer training program – a fulfillment of a promise made when a Marine recruiter called on Pat when he was only 10 years old. Apparently, he had filled out a recruiting card unbeknownst to his mother, who was not happy about his early ambition.
Between his junior and senior years, he met the love of his life who attended the rival high school. Pat and Terri were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in November 1968. They began married life busy with both of their educations, military duty, and family. Initially stationed in Quantico, Virginia, Pat and Terri welcomed their first child and son, Michael Sean, in April 1971. Following a tour in the Vietnam war as platoon and company commander, Pat returned stateside where the family then relocated as ordered to North Carolina and finally Oklahoma. In 1974, Pat was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain and the family returned to Iowa. Pat continued his education in these years, earning his B.S. in Pharmacy in 1977 from Creighton University in Omaha. The following year, Pat and Terri welcomed their second (and last) child, daughter Alexa Anne in March 1978.
Pat enjoyed over 30 years as a registered pharmacist in Nebraska, Iowa, and Colorado. He and Terri built a strong family business, eventually operating five pharmacies in Iowa before relocating to Colorado, a life-long family vacation spot, in 2000. Truly a family business, son Michael fondly remembers long Saturdays spent with dad working at one pharmacy or another. After establishing residence in Colorado, Pat and Terri began Travis Cleanair in Loveland where his daughter Alexa and son-in-law Brian remain at the helm today.
Though his military service and business successes are certainly points of honor, Pat’s heart found love infinite with the birth of his first grandchild, granddaughter Ali Marie (Alexa and Brian), in February 2001. Pat put on the cloak of papa permanently - delighting and supporting his granddaughter in every pursuit. Pat and Terri traveled the country cheering at countless volleyball events. They just recently celebrated Ali’s Master’s ceremony at Florida Southern College. His role as papa continued to grow as did the Travis moniker with grandsons (Michael and Jennifer) Levi Antonio in June 2013, followed by Elijah Jordan (born in February 2017), in August 2020.
In 2013, Pat was called by Christ to service. After encountering Jesus in adoration, Pat’s discernment was simultaneously as determined as he could be and unwavering in his decision. His Diaconate journey was blessed by his family and mentored by Father Frank Garcia, as he grew in love and fellowship with his brother candidates. He was ordained Deacon in June 2017, and assigned to St. John the Evangelist Parish in Loveland, Co. Pat was passionately involved in ministry with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, serving as their Chaplin for a period. Pat was also a 4th degree knight with the Knights of Columbus.
After five years of dedicated service, Pat and Terri relocated to Florida where they further enjoyed God’s beauty and the love and company of family. Pat is remembered for many things, his devotion to family, those in need, to our Lord, and to our Holy Mother. He enjoyed several hobbies, especially woodworking. Pat constructed many caskets for stillborn children as part of the Archdiocese of Denver’s “Behold Your Child” ministry. Pat’s interests included flying – he was a pilot, master gardener, he played a mean game of pool, and enjoyed playing cards with his granddaughter.
Pat is survived by his wife, Terri; son, Michael (Jennifer) Travis; daughter, Alexa (Brian) Klingberg; sister, Kay Morrissey of Missouri; brother, Jerry (Robin) Travis of Iowa; sister-in-law, Anne Travis of Iowa; granddaughter Ali Marie; grandsons, Levi and Elijah; and countless nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, R. Michael (Anne) Travis, and brother-in-law Joe (Kay) Morrissey.
The Funeral Mass on Thursday
Office of the Dead & Vigil
Wednesday, May 29th, 2024
6:00 – 7:00pm (viewing)
7:00 – 8:00pm (vigil)
St. John the Evangelist
1730 West 12th Street, Loveland, Colorado 80537
Funeral Mass (will also be livestreamed at: https://youtube.com/live/Ui8J4enbTjo?feature=share )
Thursday, May 30th, 2024
10:00am
Luncheon to follow in The Bread of Life Hall
St. John the Evangelist
1730 West 12th Street, Loveland, Colorado 80537
Interment & Burial
Tuesday, June 4th, 2024
11:00am
Sidney Cemetery, Sidney , Iowa
Reception to follow
The Gathering Place, Sidney , Iowa
