Travis J. Salmon
August 28, 1978–July 17, 2024
Travis J. Salmon, aged 45, of Soldier’s Grove, formerly of Wauzeka, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at his home surrounded by his immediate family after defying the odds of a reoccurring illness.
He was born in La Crosse on Aug. 28, 1978, the son of Bruce and Deborah (Mullikin) Salmon. Travis graduated from Wauzeka High School with the class of 1996 and later attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he was a member of the wheelchair basketball team.
He lived in Wauzeka for a large part of his life, and his last residence was Soldiers Grove for nearly 20 years. Travis was a world champion arm wrestler and relished his time fishing and hunting for turkey, deer, and bear. He was generous to others even with minimal resources; he had a strong heart in every sense of the phrase.
He was a member of a variety of adaptive sportsmen organizations. Travis was a competitive target and 3-D archery shooter, earning several medals and accolades, including being a Horton Crossbow Professional Representative. He was also a Soldiers Grove Rod and Gun Club member and a certified hunter safety instructor.
He endured many medical procedures and conditions related to spina bifida from birth and, with his devoted family, surpassed the expectations of almost everyone, especially those related to physical movement and activity.
Travis, a fiercely independent individual, protected and fought for his independence until the very last moment. His determination was evident in his every action.
He is survived by his parents, Bruce and Deb of Wauzeka; three sisters, Tammy (Doug) Salmon-Stephens of Platteville, Michelle (Tom) Breuer of Bloomington, and Dr. Tiffany (Matt) Akins of Arpin; nieces Maria Breuer (friend Nicholas Johnson), Mary Jane (Luke) Kamps, Emma Breuer, and Madeline Akins; and nephews James (Hailie Christiansen) Breuer and William Akins; and many friends and community members that played cards, hunted, fished, “shot the breeze,” and supported his independent and fulfilling lifestyle.
He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Joseph and Lorraine Mullikin; maternal uncles and aunts Robert Maruna, Charlene Thermes, Donald Mullikin, Sr., Larry Mullikin; paternal grandparents Jesse and Wilma Salmon; paternal uncles and aunts Fred Salmon, William Salmon, Harold Salmon, Larry Salmon, Ronald Salmon, Crystal (Salmon) Landsness, James Salmon, and Margaret (Salmon) Hazen.
Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Century Hall, with Rev. Chinnappan Pelavendran officiating with burial in Wauzeka Cemetery, both in Wauzeka.
The Garrity Funeral Home of Prairie du Chien is assisting the family. www.garrityfuneralhome.com.
