By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Travis Ryan Kirchgatter
Manteca resident/Army National Guard
Placeholder Image
Travis Ryan Kirchgatter, 27, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 21. The oldest of three boys; he was born on February 8, 1982 in Livermore, California to Richard Kirchgatter and Janet Wilson Nealey. He worked at Patchett’s Ford in Turlock and then went to work for Plastipak in Modesto in June 2008 where he worked until his untimely passing.

A 2001 graduate of Manteca High School; Travis resided most of his life in the Northern California area. He leaves behind his loving wife, Richelle Maurer Kirchgatter; daughter, Kilie Ann Marie Kirchgatter; brothers, Erich Kirchgatter, Jared Kirchgatter & wife, Darlene; sisters, Christiana and Cynthia Kirchgatter. Parents, Janet Nealey and Richard Kirchgatter and wife, Kathy; grandparents, Jackie Nerger Kirchgatter and Ronald Kirchgatter; aunt, Ronney Gable; uncle, Jack Kirchgatter and wife, Christine; cousins, Adam, Matthew and Lynn.

On July 6, 2006, he became a member of the Maurer family when he married his wife Richelle. A wonderful husband, father and friend; Travis will truly be missed by all of his extended family and friends.

Travis cherished spending time with his wife and daughter. He was a friendly guy never meeting a stranger. He loved to fish and often did so with his best bud, Michael Dittman. He also loved the beach and would try to get away to walk along the water’s edge to watch the surf.  

He proudly served his country in Iraq in 2006 & 2007 in the Army National Guard.  We prayed faithfully and waited impatiently for his safe return, God returned him home to his family in October 2007, after his tour.

Travis was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Bertha Nerger. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Arrangements are under the direction of P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home. Services will be held on Thursday, January 28, at 2 p.m. at Calvary Community Church, 815 W. Lathrop Road, Manteca. Travis will be laid to rest privately at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery with full military honors. A memorial fund has been set up in Travis’ name at Valley First Credit Union, account # 170702. An on-line guest book is also available at www.plfryandson.com for remembrances.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010
(Reprint)