Travis Anthony Wetzel

Travis Anthony Wetzel, 46, of Frederick, Maryland, passed away unexpectedly on December 27, 2025, at Frederick Health Hospital. Born on February 27, 1979, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Travis lived a life marked by deep devotion to his family, unwavering integrity, and a heart for service.

Travis is survived by his loving wife, Nicole Marie Wetzel (née Hesse), and their four cherished children: Brayden Anthony (15), Grayson Alexander (12), Elodie Elizabeth Lynn (6), and Beckham Theodore (4). He also leaves behind his parents, Anthony Brooke Wetzel and Melinda Sue Wetzel (née Lantz); his younger twin brothers, Adam Wayne Wetzel and Justin Allen Wetzel; his godparents Charlie and Bettyjane Burgess; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Robert Wetzel and his grandmother, Margaret Wetzel (née Wastler); and his maternal grandparents Frank Lantz and Vivian Lantz (née Frankenfield).

A proud graduate of Frederick High School in 1997, Travis was a member of the National Honor Society and was recognized with a scholarship for Outstanding Academic Achievement and Leadership. His academic journey continued at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2001 with an extraordinary triple major: Bachelor of Science degrees in Mathematics, Business Administration, and Finance.

While attending college in New Jersey, Travis and Nicole met, and to those that were present, they saw the undeniable connection that they shared. After years of friendship and questioning whether to move forward towards a relationship, they began dating on June 7th, 2005, and were later married on June 7th, 2008. To those that knew Travis when he was younger, he never desired to marry or have children; however, he found himself married for 17 and a half years with 4 beautiful children and happier than he ever imagined. Travis and Nicole’s life was far from perfect, but they were truly perfect for each other. They always knew exactly what the other needed, and made their marriage and their family a priority.

Throughout his professional life, Travis worked in operations across various industries. Most recently, he found purpose and fulfillment working for a durable medical equipment company. His role focused on ensuring that at-risk children had access to essential nebulizers—a mission he embraced with passion and dedication due to his personal connection with respiratory ailments. For Travis, it wasn’t just a job; it was his obligation to make sure kids got what they needed to be healthy.

When he wasn’t working, tending to their home, or caring for their multiple family pets, Travis could always be found on the sidelines of his children’s soccer games, coaching multiple soccer games, or bringing their sons to and from their practices. Travis had a profound impact at TJAY soccer, serving as Vice President, coaching for several years, and working late nights and early mornings to ensure things were prepared for their players. He cared immensely about each player he interacted with and made sure to know them on a personal level. One of his greatest joys was watching his children flourish in their academics and activities, and he was always available to step up to support them.

A man of many talents, Travis was truly a jack of all trades. Whether it was sewing or rewiring appliances, removing stubborn stains or mastering new skills from scratch—there was nothing he couldn’t figure out. He approached every task with precision and held himself to the highest standards. If something was worth doing, it was worth doing perfectly. He was the self-proclaimed “golden child” in his family, and always reminded others of this. Travis’ work ethic was unmatched. He was the undercurrent—the steady force that kept everything moving.

Travis’ athletic spirit shone brightly from a young age; he played football from age 9 with FYSA and continued playing while at Frederick High School. He also played recreational baseball with the Babe Ruth league from age 13 through high school. Despite never being a gymnast, he was capable of a one handed cartwheel and used that skill to help his daughter learn to cheer. Although he did not continue with sports through college, he loved watching football, rooting for his ‘49ers, and beating all his friends (and most recently, his oldest son) in Fantasy Football.

In 2019, Travis and his family began attending Collective Church in Frederick. There they found not just a place of worship but true community—a home where Travis felt seen and accepted. It became the space where he could be fully himself along with others who shared similar challenges and stories. Known for his warm hugs and welcoming presence, Travis quickly became an integral part of the Collective family.

Those who knew Travis will remember him as funny, remarkably intelligent, fiercely loyal, and endlessly selfless. He never met a stranger. Whether offering help to someone in need or standing up for those without a voice, Travis lived out his faith daily—not through words or ceremony, but through quiet acts of love and service. His presence was palpable; you always knew when Travis had your back.

Above all else, Travis dedicated his life to his family. He adored Nicole—the love of his life—and poured every ounce of himself into raising their children with love, strength, and joy.

May the memory of Travis Wetzel bring comfort to all who knew him and inspire others to live with the same generosity of spirit that defined his life. A Funeral Service will be held on January 5, 2026 at Stauffer's Funeral Home at 1621 Opossumtown Rd. Visiting hours will be from 2pm-3pm followed by a funeral service at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for financial support to help carry Nicole and their children through this unimaginable time. Donations can be made at Fundraiser by Jennifer Chubin : Support for the Wetzel Family (https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-the-wetzel-family-c7rr2) or Support The Wetzel Family | SupportNow.org (https://www.supportnow.org/the-wetzel-family).