Travis Shimpa

Travis Shimpa, age 39, of Erskine, MN, passed away on Sunday, June 1st, as the result of a motorcycle accident. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 14th, at Travis’ lake lot near Erskine with the Rev. Timothy Lundeen officiating. Interment will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, McIntosh, MN, at a later date. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Friday, June 13th, at the Carlin Funeral Home in Erskine. For the memorial service on Saturday, please bring your own chair. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Erskine and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Travis Duane Shimpa was born on September 19, 1985, in Fosston, Minnesota to parents Deanna Syverson Heinen and Larry Shimpa. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in McIntosh. He attended Warroad school from kindergarten through the seventh grade. He graduated from Win-E-Mac High School in 2004.

Travis loved his daughter, Grace, and he loved life. He liked hunting, fishing, and being with family and friends. He was always happy when he was on his bike and riding with his ABATE chapter.

Travis always had a smile on his face and a hug for anyone. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. His laugh was loud and proud and he was always down for a joke or prank.

He spent his life driving semi. His favorite truck was his 96 International which he took his CDL in when he was 18. He named his truck ABE. He worked for Giere Tricking, KW Farms, and CHS. He also drove for Reit Rock Paving when propane was slow. He was an ABATE member since he was 18 (old enough to join). He was a life-time member of the Western Minnesota Steam Thresher’s Reunion and Lake Itasca Regional Pioneer Farms.

Travis is survived by his daughter, Grace Shimpa; his parents, Deanna Syverson Heinen and Larry (Ethel) Shimpa; his brother, Brian (April) Shimpa; step siblings, Dan (Sandra) Comstock, John Jr. (Kris) Heinen, Lisa (Robert) Bannert, Erin (Brandon) Halvorson, Timmy Jones and Cassie Jones; his grandmother, Conne Syverson; and many aunts, uncles and cousins (which he thought of as siblings).

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Arnold Syverson and Joe and Marion Shimpa; his step-father, John Heinen; uncle, Scott Shimpa; and cousin, Skylan Spafford.