Travis LeRay Nichols

Travis LeRay Nichols, 43, of Kronenwetter, WI passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

He was born in Waterloo, IA on May 26, 1983, to Rhonda (Armstrong) Nichols and Charles Nichols. Travis graduated from Waterloo East High School, Class of 2001. He married the love of his life, Kayla Lentz, on September 13, 2008. Together, they blessed this earth with two beautiful and loving children, Abbigail and Colton.

Travis had a successful 25+ year career at Canadian National Railroad where he specialized in large-scale bridge projects throughout the United States and Canada. He was a Master Mason of Kinmundy Lodge #398 as well as Noble of Ainad Temple Shriners. Travis was a great supporter of St. Louis Shriners Hospital.

Due to his kind, giving, and social nature, Travis was known and loved by many. Some thought of him as an “old soul”, composing himself with a level of maturity, wisdom, humility, and depth that transcended his age early on. He appreciated hard work, a good laugh, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed staying busy and joked with his wife that he was a jack of all trades and a master of none.

He loved and cared for his family, friends, and co-workers. Although extremely busy with his own life and career, he was the type of man who would take the time to call and ask how people and their family members were doing. He had a heart as deep as the ocean and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. It was often said that “Everyone loves Travis”.

He is survived by his wife, Kayla; his two children, Abbigail and Colton; his mother, Rhonda (Armstrong) Nichols; his father, Charles Nichols; his paternal grandmother, Norma (Streittmatter) Nichols; his sister, Trisha (Rick) Nichols-Gautney; his brother, Trevor (Christina) Nichols; two nieces, Jocelyn Nichols and Rylee Nichols; two nephews, Carter Berning and Garrick Gautney, and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Gerald Nichols; his maternal grandparents, Burl and LaVonne (Roethler) Armstrong; and his maternal aunt, Rosanne (Armstrong) Paine.

A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026 from 4-7PM at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church/Fellowship Hall, located at 4031 Lafayette Rd. Evansdale, IA 50707.

Memorial service will take place the following morning, Friday, October 30, 2026 at 11AM at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, located at 4031 Lafayette Rd. Evansdale, IA 50707. A luncheon will be held at the church immediately following. A private burial will take place at Garden of Memories.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Please take a moment to view the online Guestbook. Send your condolences or share a memory of Travis with his family & friends.