Remembering Travis Craige Moad: A Life Steeped in South Dakota Tradition
On March 16, 2026, the community of Volga, South Dakota, bid farewell to a beloved member, Travis Craige Moad, who passed away at the age of 57 after a courageous battle with early onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. A gathering to honor Travis will take place on March 20, 2026, at Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings, South Dakota, with visitation beginning at 5:00 PM. Funeral services are scheduled for 7:00 PM.
Travis was born on June 7, 1968, to Douglas Craige and Sharon Elaine (Suurmeyer) Moad. He was a vibrant part of the Brookings community, having graduated from Brookings High School in 1987. Known for his fiery red hair and enthusiasm for hockey, Travis left a lasting impression on those who knew him during his high school years.
South Dakota, with its vast prairies and community-centered lifestyle, shaped Travis into the man he became. On May 13, 2005, he married Klay Thompson, embarking on a journey of family life deeply rooted in South Dakota’s values. The couple raised three children: Tanner, Keatyn, and Teagan.
Travis’s connection to the land was evident in his love for the outdoors. South Dakota, known for its hunting, fishing, and camping opportunities, provided the perfect backdrop for Travis’s pastimes. Whether on a hunting trip, a fishing expedition, or a camping adventure, Travis cherished every moment spent in nature.
Having a strong work ethic, Travis held various positions throughout his career. He contributed to the community through his roles at Coast-to-Coast Warehouse, John Morrell, Bel Brands, and Rainbow Play Systems. Despite his commitments, Travis’s priority was always his family. He was a regular presence at his children’s sporting events and school activities, showcasing the quintessential South Dakota spirit of supporting one’s family.
The heart of Travis’s social life was ‘Moad’s Garage’ – a hub of camaraderie and shared moments. This gathering place epitomized South Dakota hospitality, with an open door policy, a stocked fridge, and TVs tuned to NASCAR and Green Bay Packers games. Friends and family knew they could always find a place of warmth and welcome in Travis’s cherished garage.
Travis is survived by his wife, Klay Thompson-Moad; his children, Tanner (Megan) Moad of Arlington, South Dakota, Keatyn (Jamison Honkomp), and Teagan Moad, both of Brookings, South Dakota. Also mourning his loss are his in-laws, Marcia and Larry Watson of Volga, South Dakota, and his sister, Heather Gonzalez and family, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
His passing brings to the forefront cherished memories of a life well-spent in South Dakota’s embrace. He was preceded in death by his parents, Douglas and Sharon Moad; his daughter, Amber, who passed away in 1991; his uncle, LeRoy Suurmeyer; and his grandparents, Don and Donna Moad and Albert and Anna Suurmeyer.
For those wishing to send flowers in memory of Travis Craige Moad, arrangements can be made through the Rude’s Funeral Home sympathy store.
In remembering Travis, his legacy shines brightly as a testament to the South Dakotan spirit he embodied – one of community, family, and deep-rooted connections to the land and its people.