"I was so shocked to read of Travis' passing. I cannot express how sorry I am to his family. I work in Dispatch at Weber and spoke with Travis several times on the phone and of course, over the air. He was always easy to talk to. He was never impatient. I found him to be gracious, happy and appreciative of Dispatch. He was an excellent officer. Again, I am so sorry for the loss of Travis. May God bless and keep his loved ones in comfort. - Sharma Malone"
In loving memory of
Travis JW Gerfen
November 20, 1974 - October 29, 2020
Travis Gerfen
Our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Travis JW Gerfen, 45, passed away suddenly on Thursday, October 29, 2020 from a heart attack while on vacation in Mexico.
He was born on November 20, 1974 in Puerto Rico, USA, a son of late John Gerfen and Jody Hicks.
Travis graduated from Roy High School in 1993. He received his Master's in Business Administration from NOTRE DAME, Go Irish! Go Gerf!
Travis married KaraLyn Capener on September 5, 1992 in Willard, Utah. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on September 7, 1993.
He joined the US Army on October 10, 2007 until receiving an honorable discharge in 2017. Travis was a recipient of the Purple Heart during his deployment in Iraq.
Travis served in Law Enforcement for 22 years. He served in the Brigham City Police, Ogden City Police Departments and retired from the Utah State Attorney General office in August 2019.
Travis loved riding his Harley Davidson, golfing, everything Notre Dame, but most of all his grandbabies and kids, #1 Jordan, Kindall, Russell and adopted son, Brady. He had many friends over the years that he met and became his family too. You know who you are. His family and friends will live by Travis's advice "try not to suck"!
The family would like to thank Gillies Funeral Chapel for all the hard work that followed these circumstances, they are so grateful. To the US Consulate for their assistance in bringing Travis home.
Surviving is his wife, KaraLyn; three children, Jordan (Brooke) Gerfen; Kindall (Tyler) Hansen; Russell (Alisha Ipsen) Gerfen; four grandchildren, Burkley, Broox, Bowen, and Rew. His mother, Jody (Jim) Wise and many nieces and nephews who he adored.
He was preceded in death by his father and by his daughter, Leah.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the VFW Post 1695, c/o Norm Nelson, 1415 W 2950 S. Perry, UT 84302.
Graveside service will be held on Friday, November 13, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Utah Veterans Memorial Park, 17111 South Camp Williams Road, Bluffdale, where military honors will be accorded by the Combined Veterans of Box Elder County Honor Guard.
A viewing will be held on Friday the 13th from 9:00 a.m. to 12 Noon at Gillies Funeral Chapel, 634 E 200 So., Brigham City, Utah.
Send condolences to www.gfc-utah.com
Tributes
"Kara, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of Travis. My heart breaks for you and your beautiful children and grandchildren. It seems like just yesterday we were in High School, and to think now you and Travis are grandparents and that Travis is gone. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. - Kelli Spicer Stuart"
"It was my honor to care for Mr. Gerfen. I am so sorry for your loss. Renee Holleran, FNP-BC Pain Medicine VHA Salt Lake City, Utah "
"I had the greatest respect for Travis. He was always working and thoughtful. Always lending a helping hand to whomever needed assistance. Travis had a great sense of humor. He would come into my office and we would always have a laugh about something. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to his family. Our prayers to his family. He will be missed. Sergeant Norman Hall retired Ogden PD"
"Kara and Family, I had the pleasure to hire Travis as a Police Officer at Brigham City PD. Travis was a great Police Officer and it was an honor to serve with him. LeAnn and I are praying for you and your family at this time of your loss. R.I.P. Brother! Jim Paine"
"I'm sorry to hear this, Me and Travis worked together at Autoliv many years ago. I had no idea he received his MBA from Notre Dame or that he was awarded a Purple Heart, but I'm not surprised, Travis worked hard and was very driven. Kara, we'll keep your family in our prayers."
"Absolutely heartbreaking. I know Travis from when we worked at Ogden Police. Deepest condolences to all of his friends and family. Sending love and prayers. "
"Kara, so sorry to hear about Travis. Time goes by so fast and the memories are all we have. You and your family will be in my prayers. Love, Melanie Morgan Christensen"
"Travis your a good foot ball player i miss you in my prayers"
"Gerf had the athleticism and looks, I had the car. I have so many good memories. Kicking his butt in hoops at the Nat, playing soccer together, him owning the football field, studs at Lagoon (still have keychain pic), and when he met Kara. I will always remember my friend! My condolences Kara and family."
"Travis was an amazing person and a true American hero for his service in both the military and police forces. I loved fishing with him in Alaska and playing golf with him. He was an inspiration to many and I will miss him greatly. "
"I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Travis during his time in the AG's office. He was a good man. I found him to be funny, smart and very integral. I have missed his infectious smile since I've no longer worked with him. And I was shocked to hear of his passing. My prayers are for your peace of heart and quick healing from the hurt. ~Kim~"
"Kara, We ache for you and love you so much. You and Travis were the awesomest neighbors and friends. Travis always made us laugh and smile. He was a favorite Sunday School/ Primary Teacher at our house. Our hearts are sad today to hear this heartbreaking news. Know that we love you and your family. Love, Tom, Shanda, Kaysen , Kali, Jaxen and Rex Parkinson"
"The Family of Travis, We are sorry to hear of the death of Travis, Son, Husband, Father, Grandfather. Our prayers are with all of you in this time of sorrow. We are praying for all of you. God bless and be with you all, Deacon Bob and Pauline Bambrick and grandfather."
"I?m going to miss you my friend. - Darryn"
"Kara, We were so sorry to hear of this happening in your family. My mom called me. Our prayers are with you and your family. May you find peace in the memories you have and keeping his memory alive through all of you. Hugs!!! "
"Kara, Jordan, Kindall, and Russell- I?m so sorry to hear about your husband and dad. You guys are a great family. Love, Andrea (DeFriez) Bennett"
"Gonna miss the golfing buddy. Love ya bro!!"
"Kara and family we?re so very sorry for your loss. We pray for your comfort through the Savior at this time. Brad and Leslie Valcarce and Family"
"Oh Kara and Kindall I am so so sorry. My heart broke for you and your family when I heard. My thoughts and prayers are with you! "
"Travis was a very great full and gracious man. We meet at the BCPD and became great friends over the years we have talked and enjoyed each other?s company. He will be greatly missed by all. God rest your soul and blessings and prayers to the family!"
"Kara and family. I am so very sorry for your loss. This is heartbreaking and wish you strength. You are in my prayers. Love Cindy (Duke) Hazelwood "
"Dear Kara and Family, I send my deepest condolences to all of you at this time. I am so deeply saddened for your loss. Travis was a good man and touched the lives of so many and I am absolutely devastated by this tragedy. Many prayers and so much love sent your way. With Love, Mishelle Zito and Family"
"Travioli was a wonderful son and friend. My heart hurts, but I'm happy for him."