Scott Osborn

Roger Scott Osborn passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2021, surrounded by family after a three-year fight with ALS. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and educator. Scott will be missed by many. Scott was born and raised in Winterset, Iowa, graduating from Winterset High School in 1966. After earning a teaching degree at the University of Northern Iowa, Scott and his wife, Kathy moved to Ankeny where he resided until his death. Throughout his 39-year career at the Ankeny Community School District, Scott was a math teacher, assistant principal, varsity track coach, and principal. Before his retirement in 2009, Scott led Ankeny through its transition to a middle school system in 1995, earning Middle Level Principal of the Year from the School Administrators of Iowa in 1998. A mentor and confidant to countless, both in and out of the classroom, Scott motivated and challenged young people to be their best. The consummate educator, Scott frequently encouraged family and friends to continue with school, declaring you cannot have too much education. A star high school athlete, Scott loved seeing students develop outside of the classroom as well. His successful track and cross country coaching career included 17 conference titles and one state championship. His passion for running led him to volunteering at the Drake Relays for more than 30 years. After refereeing for several years, Scott was inducted into the Iowa Girls High School Basketball Coaching Officials Hall of Fame in 1996. Scott received the Iowa High School Athletic Association Administrators Award in 2006. But his support for extracurricular activities was not limited to athletics, with him earning the Administrators Award from the Iowa Bandmasters Association in 1997. Always quick with a joke, usually sarcastic in nature, Scott never took himself too seriously. He had a nickname for everyone, and the less they liked it, the better. Before falling ill, he could frequently be found on the golf course where choice words and tall tales were uttered. Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Tim and Vi, a brother, Gary, and a niece and nephew. He is survived by Kathy, his high school sweetheart and wife of 51 years, two children, Kirk and Tara, two granddaughters, Emily and Madelyn, who were his pride and joy, and sisters, Karna (Pat) and Shelley. A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 28, at the Ankeny Methodist Christian Life Center. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 29 at the Life Center, with a livestream of the service available on Scott’s Obituary/Tribute Wall at www.caldwellparrish.com. Please follow CDC guidelines, masks are required. Scott will be interred in Winterset at a private burial ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting memorial contributions, which will be distributed to causes important to Scott.