Travis Lee Fernandez, age 47, passed away on June 5th, 2026. He was born on October 29th, 1978, in Shawano, and raised in the Menominee Nation of Wisconsin. He joins his mother Maureen, who passed away on March 8th, 2026, and is survived by his father, Bob Fernandez, and four siblings Dawn of Milwaukee, WI, Wade (Gabrielle Metoxen) of Keshena, WI, Dillon of New York City, NY, and Angela (Ebasa Sarka) of Seattle, WA. He is also survived by nine nieces and nephews: Danni, Autumn and Christopher Raasch; and Wade Jr., Cedar, Quintin, Blaize, and Rain Fernandez; and Jade Fernandez Metoxen. He is also loved and remembered by many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and neighbors.

Travis suffered for many years from chronic stomach health issues. The recent loss of his beloved mother, after her three-year journey in hospice care, weighed heavily on his heart. Travis and his mother shared a special bond and were deeply devoted to one another.

For years, Travis faithfully served as his mother's caregiver, making sure she attended every medical appointment and received the care and support she needed. His dedication, love, and loyalty never wavered, even during the most difficult times.

Travis deeply loved his family and friends and was cherished by them. He also played an important role in helping take care of his nieces and nephews from early childhood. To some of them, he was much more than an uncle—he was like a father. He loved them deeply and took great pride in being a part of their lives.

Those who knew Travis will remember him for his heart of gold, his generosity, and his kind and gentle spirit. Giving gifts and bringing happiness to others brought him great joy. He found fulfillment in seeing others smile and was always willing to help anyone in need.

Travis was a talented freelance photographer, who attended Milwaukee Area Technical College, where he further developed his skills and interests. He loved science, constructing solar panels as a child and observing the moon, stars and planets in the night sky. He loved nature and animals, the changes of the seasons and weather patterns, and found peace and joy in the Menominee forest surrounding his family home. He was also known as a technology wizard who could repair computers and electronics and solve just about any technical problem that came his way.

Travis’ warm smile, caring nature, and generous spirit touched the lives of many. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though he is no longer with us, the love, kindness, and memories he shared will remain in our hearts forever.

A Father's Tribute to His Son, Travis Lee Fernandez

My heart is broken beyond words. Just a few months ago, I said goodbye to my beloved wife, and now I must say goodbye to my son, Travis. As a father, this is something I never imagined I would have to do.

Travis was more than my son. He was a caring, compassionate, and generous man who touched the lives of so many people. Anyone who knew him knew that he had a heart of gold. He found joy in giving to others and expected nothing in return.

One of the things I admired most about Travis was his devotion to his mother. During her years in hospice care, he stood by her side as a faithful caregiver. Their bond was special, and they loved each other deeply.

Travis also helped take care of his nieces and nephews from the time they were young. He was much more than an uncle to them. He was a mentor, protector, and even a father figure to some of them.

Travis was talented in many ways. He was also a technology expert who could fix almost any computer or electronic problem placed before him. Travis had a gift for photography and enjoyed capturing special moments through his camera lens, especially in nature. He loved the changing seasons, stormy weather, ospreys and eagles soaring in the sky, and the beauty of the night skies. He also lovingly cared for animals and family pets.

What I will remember most is his gentle spirit, his warm smile, and his kind heart. Those qualities made him the man he was. While my heart aches from losing him, I take comfort in knowing that love never dies. The memories Travis gave us, the kindness he showed, and the lives he touched will remain with us forever.

I take comfort in knowing that Travis is now reunited with his mother, who he missed so deeply. Their separation on earth was brief, and now they are together again.

Travis, I love you and I always will. Thank you for being my son. Thank you for the memories, the laughter, and the love. You will forever remain in my heart. Until we meet again, may you rest in peace.