Travis J. Frank

1973 - 2024

Travis J. Frank

June 12, 1973 - July 8, 2024

Travis James Frank, 51, of Bismarck, died on July 8, 2024. Friends and family are invited to mourn and celebrate his life at the funeral scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, September 27, at the Church of Corpus Christi in Bismarck. Beginning one hour before Mass, guests are invited to visitation. Interment at Saint Mary's Cemetery will follow the ceremony and luncheon.

Travis was born on June 12, 1973, in Bismarck, North Dakota to Terri (Meckler) Frank and Rod Clooten. In his younger years, Travis was a loving and energetic blonde-haired boy who lit up a room. His grandpa Jack gave him the nickname Brutus as a term of endearment. In his teen years, Travis excelled at playing the violin and competing in track and cross-country running. Travis was reserved but unmistakably kind. Those close to him would often observe his shy smile and his earnest chuckle. Laughter was the key to his heart. Travis loved animals and he took exceptional care of his two cats, Maddie, and later, Halo; neighbors would see Travis patiently walking Halo on a harness. His favorite holiday was the Fourth of July and his siblings have many memories of barbeques and fireworks during calm summer nights. Travis had a special fondness for his niece and nephew, never forgetting a birthday and even returning from work conferences with special surprises for them from the Smithsonian. He enjoyed their innocent exuberance, dance moves, and sound effects. Travis had an adventurous spirit and he enjoyed traveling during summer. Costa Rica and Southern California were among his favorite destinations.

Travis was a talented and disciplined scholar who chose education administration as his field. He began his career as a High School Language Arts teacher in rural Minnesota. After earning his Master's in Education Administration from the University of North Dakota, Travis focused his work with Native American youth. He earned his PhD while working full time as principal of White Shield High School. His dissertation titled, "The American Indian Schoolhouse: School Engagement of Students and Predictors of Academic Achievement and Attendance" is a testament to his commitment to excellence and his fervent aptitude for inclusion of students at all levels. After earning his PhD, Dr. Frank served as principal of Divide County High School. Later, Travis devoted his energy to higher education, serving as a professor at Sitting Bull College in the Teacher Education Department. During his nine years at Sitting Bull, Travis coordinated the Master's Program in Curriculum and Instruction; he was instrumental in getting the program accredited through the Higher Learning Commission. He also served as Chair of the Graduate Degree Program and the Research Committee.

Travis is survived by his parents, Terri and Jeff Frank and Rod (Janice) Clooten; three siblings: Nicole Frank, Anthony R. (Emily) Frank, and John (Carolanne) Clooten; grandmother, Mary Frank; and his niece and nephew, Brea and Bode Frank (Anthony and Emily); and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Travis was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jack and Ernestine Meckler; grandfather, Anthony M. Frank; and grandparents, Eugene Clooten and Amelia Clooten.

His family will miss him deeply.