Renato (Rene) Travelli passed away with courage and grace at home at the age of eighty-six on June 19, 2017. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. Rene was a dedicated physician at Gundersen Health System for thirty years, and continued part-time for six years past retirement.

Born March 13, 1931 in Rome, Italy, to Alessandro and Adelia (Ricci) Travelli, Rene attended Jesuit elementary and secondary schools and graduated from the University of Rome in medicine in 1956. Fulfilling military obligation, Rene served in the Italian Army from 1956-’58. Leaving Italy for the U.S. to further his studies, Rene had an internship in Baltimore, MD, a radiology a residency for a year in Albany, NY, and a three year residency, completed in 1964, at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. He then moved to Canada to practice
radiology for one year in Winnipeg and for two years in Calgary.

Returning to the U.S., Rene spent six months at the U of MN, Mpls., furthering sponsorship for a visa and acceptance to the U.S. Navy. Early in his stay in Minneapolis, Rene met his wife-to-be, Charlotte Schwieger, a Family and Consumer Education teacher with the Roseville Schools, St. Paul, MN. Although Rene left for the Navy in May, he returned to marry Charlotte in July at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, St. Paul, MN. Commander Renato Travelli practiced radiology for two years at St. Alban’s Naval Hospital in Queens, NY. The young couple began a family while in service, with a son, Eric, born May, ’69 at the Naval Hospital. Two years later a daughter, Irene, was born in April, '71, in Milwaukee, WI. Another daughter, Elsa arrived in March,’73, in La Crosse, WI, and a third daughter, Sara, was born in October, ’77 in La Crosse.

Having gained experience in radiology, Rene wished for a clinical setting and applied to practice at the Gundersen Clinic, La Crosse, WI, in 1971. Spending much of his career specializing in mammography, he was known as hard-working and enthusiastic. Rene deeply appreciated his association with the Gundersen Clinic and found many friends who shared his spirit for excellence.

Retiring officially in 2001, Rene’s many interests included volunteering for “Mobile Meals”, reading, traveling, learning about computers, photographing nature and family, and woodworking. During his last active years, Rene enjoyed volunteering at the Mooney Medical Library at Gundersen Health System.

Rene is survived by his wife, Charlotte, four children, and five grandchildren: Eric Travelli of La Crosse, WI, Irene Travelli of La Crosse, WI, Elsa (William) Frische and children, Peter, Daniel, and Rachel of Apple Valley, MN, and Sara Travelli, and children: Charlotte and August, of Mpls, MN.

Rene is further survived by two brothers Armando (Marti) Travelli of Hinsdale, IL, and Enrico (Lucia) Travelli of Arco, Italy, and two sisters-in-law: Marjorie Ross of Lakeland, MN, and Grace Elinsway of Austin, TX. In addition, Rene leaves five nephews and five nieces.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the Gundersen Hospice Care Team and to doctors at Gundersen Health System: Dr William Agger, Dr. John Udell, Dr. Wayne Bottner, Dr John Farnin and Dr. Linda Groon.

A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, July 8, 2017, at 11:00 A.M., at Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church, La Crosse, WI. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Gundersen Health System Foundation, The Salvation Army or to a charity of their choice.