Travis Craige Moad

Travis Craige Moad, 57, of Volga, SD, passed away Monday, March 16, 2026 after a long and courageous battle with early onset dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Friday, March 20, 2026 at Rude's Funeral Home, Brookings, SD. Funeral Services will be held at 7:00pm Friday, March 20, 2026 at Rude's Funeral Home.

Travis was born on June 7, 1968, to Douglas Craige and Sharon Elaine (Suurmeyer) Moad. He grew up known for his outgoing personality and love of sports and the outdoors and was a proud graduate of Brookings High School, Class of 1987. Those who remember Travis from his high school days will recall a red-headed hockey player who brought energy and enthusiasm wherever he went.

Travis married Klay Thompson on May 13, 2005, and together they built a family that meant everything to him.

Travis loved the outdoors and could often be found hunting, fishing, camping, or heading to the races. When he wasn't busy with his long list of hobbies, you could almost always find him in "Moad's Garage," a place that became a gathering spot for family and friends. The garage door was always open, the fridge was always stocked, and the TVs were tuned on. Whether it was watching NASCAR and cheering for his favorite driver to take the checkered flag or celebrating a Green Bay Packers touchdown, Travis enjoyed every moment surrounded by the people he loved.

Travis was a hardworking man throughout his life and held positions at Coast-to-Coast Warehouse, John Morrell, Bel Brands, and Rainbow Play Systems. No matter how long the workday had been, he made it a priority to show up for his children. From baseball and basketball to football, hockey, cheerleading, and school events, Travis was always in the stands supporting his kids. He took pride in providing for his family, making sure there was always a good meal on the table and a well-kept yard to come home to.

Travis is survived by his wife, Klay Thompson-Moad; his children, Tanner (Megan) Moad of Arlington, South Dakota, Keatyn (Jamison Honkomp) Moad of Brookings, South Dakota, and Teagan Moad at home; his in-laws, Marcia and Larry Watson of Volga, South Dakota, his sister Heather Gonzalez and family of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; along with many extended family members and close friends.

He also carried the memory of his daughter, Amber, whom he lost on November 12, 1991, and who remained forever close to his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Douglas and Sharon Moad; his daughter, Amber; his uncle, LeRoy Suurmeyer; and his grandparents, Don and Donna Moad and Albert and Anna Suurmeyer.

For many who knew him, the best memories of Travis will always lead back to "Moad's Garage." The door was always open, the fridge was always stocked, and the TVs were always on for the next race or game. More than a garage, it was a place where friends gathered, stories were told, and everyone who walked through the door was welcomed like family.