Travis Pilchiek

Travis Franklin Pilchiek, 84, husband of Bonnie Pilchiek, died December 4, 2018 in Brenham.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 8, 2018 at St. James Lutheran Church of New Wehdem, with Pastor Evan Cameron officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday at Memorial Oaks Chapel.

Travis Pilchiek was born January 9, 1934 in Burton to Jesse E. and Ruby Nell Wilkening Pilchiek. He was baptized and confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church of New Wehdem, and was married to Bonnie Emshoff on June 12, 1960 in the same church. He remained a member at St. James until his death.

Hunting and fishing were favorite hobbies. Travis was a great Papa, and a wonderful dad and husband. He was content to stay close to his home in Brenham. After retiring from his position as Maintenance Supervisor for Blinn College, he enjoyed taking care of his cattle, and was known as a “fixer” and collector. A veteran of the Korean War, Travis participated in a Veterans Honor Flight in 2015 to commemorate his military service. He served in the U S Air Force from 1953 until 1957, and was stationed in California and Arizona

Memberships included the Sons of Hermann, Elks Club, American Legion VFW 7104, and the Pleasant Hill-New Wehdem Shooting Club, having joined in 1958. He was also a former member of the Brenham Fire Dept.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Pilchiek of Brenham; son, Jeffrey Allen Pilchiek of Austin; daughter and son-in-law, Shelley and Dr. Scott A. Smith of Georgetown; brother-in-law Wilfred Emshoff of Brenham; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Billy and Diane Emshoff of Kerrville; grandchildren: Makenzie and Michael Cunningham, Connor Smith, Natalie Smith, and Trevor Smith. Also surviving are numerous cousins and other relatives.

Travis was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Ruby Pilchiek, and parents-in-law, Arnold and Isabell Emshoff.

Pallbearers will be Connor Smith, Trevor Smith, James Brending, Darrell Murski, Arthur Nordt, and Pat Draehn. Honorary pallbearers are Adolph Wehmeyer, David Sodolak, Freddie Brending, Bobby Mertz, Lenae Larkin, the Buccaneer Store Coffee Crew, Pleasant Hill-New Wehdem Shooting Club members, his former maintenance employees at Blinn College, as well as his long-time friend, Bob Bormann.

Memorials may be directed to St. James Lutheran Church of New Wehdem, or to Hospice Brazos Valley.

Funeral arrangements for Travis Pilchiek are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.

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