Travis Fincel

Travis Christopher Fincel, 46, was born in St. Paul, Minn., on Oct. 28, 1974. He departed this life on Jan. 7, leaving bereft the many lives he touched.

A memorial service was held Jan. 11 at the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson, with words of comfort by Pastor Tom Hinote of The Sanctuary.

Recorded music included “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne and “Walk” by Pantera.

He is survived by his mother, Dorene Fincel; father Gary (Cathy) Fincel; brothers GT (Lisa) and Douglas (Tammy); children Christopher (Kaitlin) Riggle, Gabriel Fincel, Jacob Vreugdenhil, Zachary (Meritza) Danner, Kayla McKown, Shawn King; his lifelong partner in crime and co-parent Christina King; four grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Travis (Travy to his friends and family) believed family doesn’t begin or end with blood, that living life was about working hard so you could play just as hard, that sharing laughter was sharing love, and that family and friends made life worthwhile.

He loved the outdoors, from fishing to snowball fights, as long as he was sharing it with those he cared about. Travis loved being the clown, the jokester, the prankster and making those around him laugh. His antics rarely conformed to social niceties, but Travy believed happiness was more important than behaving or fitting in.

He will be forever missed, taken too soon.