Travis Brekken

Travis Vincent Brekken, 37, of Crookston, MN died Sunday, October 25, 2015 after a long and courageous battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Travis was born in Crookston, MN on November 30, 1977, the son of Vincent and Marie (Enslin) Brekken. He was baptized and confirmed at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Crookston. He attended Crookston public schools through high school, graduating in 1996. While attending school he and his classmates broke down social barriers and paved many new trails for handicap access. During high school he served as the baseball team's assistant manager and supported the team at home and on the road. He was also active in the choir and travelled with the group to Florida where they performed at Disney World. Travis and his companion dog, Carmel, were able to cross the stage together with the rest of the class at graduation using a new ramp that was built by the students and teachers at the school. Following high school, Travis attended the University of Minnesota, Crookston, where he studied computer science and obtained his 'computer guru' status among family and friends for whom he was quick to offer assistance and support. Travis had a wide web of friends and family that he valued and cherished and was active in maintaining those relationships via a Facebook, email, and online games. Throughout high school and college, Travis was an active volunteer at Riverview and Villa St. Vincent nursing homes. Growing up, Travis would attend Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) summer camps as well as participate in annual Jerry Lewis MDA telethon fundraisers. Make-a-Wish Foundation granted Travis and his family a trip to Disney World, a magical trip that led to several return visits. Travis also enjoyed being with his father and uncles on the farm, where he would ride in the trucks and learn some colorful language. He had been part of a truck brigade from Crookston hauling sandbags to East Grand Forks fighting the flood of 1997 and was in one of the last trucks to leave as the dike gave way. Travis's favorite pastime was his car hobby. Travis had a love for cars, especially Fords, which began at a young age with his Uncle Curt and his Merkur sports car and expanded in his teenage years when he acquired a 1971 yellow fastback Mustang Mach I. A few years later, the Mustang was 'stolen' but later returned to him fully restored to mint condition by the Crookston Classic Cruisers car club as a surprise 20th birthday gift. It was the first time his family had seen him truly speechless, his only words being, "It's so shiny!" Words could not express the gratitude Travis and his family felt for all of the people and local businesses that helped in that project. His second car purchase was a 2003 yellow Mustang Mach I. After that, he coordinated the restoration of a 1955 Mercury Monterey that he acquired from his cousin Mike. He later obtained a 1979 Ford F150 pickup and most recently purchased a 2015 Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Ford Mustang, which was number 877 of 1, 964 vehicles made and signed by Bill Ford. He enjoyed taking his collection to auto shows throughout the year and bringing his 2003 Mustang to Brainerd International Raceway where his friends drove it for him in drag races. He would often spend hours on the computer assisting others research and find old car parts for their projects. His passion for cars also led to his meeting Jay Leno on three occasions, including a personal tour of Jay's auto collection and workshop. His most recent car memorabilia came from a friend who arranged to have NASCAR owner Jack Roush autograph a photograph of Travis's Mustangs as well as provide two commemorative 'hero coins'. In addition to being an avid Ford man who enjoyed good natured ribbings with his Chevy and Dodge friends, Travis was also a diehard UND Sioux hockey fan. He was a season ticket holder and would watch or listen to the games on the TV or radio when he could not attend. Even though he wasn't feeling well he was able to listen to the Sioux win on Friday and Saturday night before he passed away Sunday morning. His family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Ring and many specialists at Sanford who helped keep Travis with us as long as he was. Also, to his personal care attendants over the years who were Travis's arms and legs for so long. And, to Travis's classmates for their support both during his school years and after. We never thought of Travis as being handicapped but rather looked at everything he could do in spite of being in a wheelchair. Travis is survived by his parents Vincent and Marie (Enslin) Brekken; sister Jocelyn Brekken; paternal grandmother, Wanda Brekken; aunts and uncles Robert and Renee Wilbur, Roger and Edie Brekken, Marcie and Pat McConville, Dennis and Bev Brekken, David and Shirley Brekken, Kristie Brekken Ricard, Greg and Maggie Brekken, Mark and Jody Brekken, Phil Brekken, Chris and Bob Olson, Michelle and Elliot Solheim; and many cousins. Travis was preceded in death by his grandparents Herman and Hazel Enslin, and Albert Brekken; uncles Curtis Brekken, and Gerald Brekken; and cousin Jeremy Brekken.

Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Previous Events

Visitation
Friday, October 30, 2015
Visitation
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Service
Saturday, October 31, 2015
cemetery
Saturday, October 31, 2015