Scott Robert Willoughby

March 24, 1965-July 7, 2024

Fargo

Scott Robert Willoughby, 59, of Fargo, ND and Esmond, ND, formerly of Erskine, MN, passed away suddenly in a tragic accident on Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Esmond. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, July 12, 2024, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Esmond. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, with a Celebration of Life at the Esmond Bar afterwards. In lieu of flowers, donations in Scott’s honor can be made to the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery Fund: P.O. Box 206. Arrangements are with the Nelson Funeral Home of Maddock, ND.

Scott Robert Willoughby was born March 24, 1965, in Minneapolis, MN, to James Willoughby and Cherie (Lesetmoe) Lerfald. He graduated from Erskine High School in 1983, where he excelled in sports and was honored as “Athlete of the Year” during his junior and senior years. Scott continued his passion for sports by playing football at Thief River Falls Technical College, the University of Minnesota Crookston, and Moorhead State University. After college, he traveled across the U.S. gaining experience in various construction trades.

Scott married Darla Rieger on April 21, 1990, in Fargo. Together they raised three children: Cody, Dylan, and Lexie. They built their home in Fargo where Scott enrolled his kids in many sports and camps and was actively involved in coaching his children’s hockey teams as well as his nephew Skylar’s baseball team. Scott was elected president of Fargo Patriot Hockey during the 2001-2002 season. He also liked to stay active for himself by participating in the men’s league for hockey and baseball.

Inspired by his Uncle Jerry, Scott learned the trade of Commercial Caulking and established his own business, “Willoughby Contracting,” in Fargo in 1992, which he ran for 32 years. In September 2022, he and Darla fulfilled a dream by purchasing the Esmond Bar. They poured their heart and soul into upgrades and renovations, creating an inclusive community atmosphere. Scott was particularly proud of revitalizing the bowling alley after it had sat unused for over 25 years.

Scott lived a full life, giving much of himself to others through his strong work ethic, generosity, time, and above all, his heart. He cherished time spent at his favorite place, Union Lake, MN, where he loved to teach swimming, diving, skiing, ATV/motorcycle riding, and building huge campfires. Winter activities included snowmobiling, fishing, relaxing in the hot tub, and late-night sauna sessions. The memories of pontoon rides and campfire charades will forever hold his spirit.

Scott also had a passion for hunting elk, deer, and pheasants, and he achieved the status of National Champion for his bird dog, “Charcoal.” His other passions included annual fishing trips with classmates, watching the Bison, and mastering various hands-on projects. He imparted his construction knowledge to his family through home building, power tools, fabrication, welding, vehicle repairs, and woodworking. There was truly nothing he could not build or fix! Scott also had a love for travel, with New Zealand ranking among his favorite destinations. He explored multiple continents and almost all 50 states, often in his beloved truck “Old Red,” which he drove for over 540,000 miles. Scott was always the life of the party! He was the first to arrive and the last to leave. It’s hard to find someone without a “Scott” story, they are truly endless!

In 2023, Scott was recognized with the highest civilian award from the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the “Colonel’s Award of Excellence,” for his bravery in saving a life. While working on a house, Scott and others responded to a car crash where they rescued a driver from a burning vehicle. Using his toe rope, he and others pried the door open just enough to pull the driver out preventing a tragedy.

Scott is survived by his loving wife Darla of 34 years, sons Cody and Dylan; daughter Alexis; granddaughter Tilly; mother Cherie Lerfald; sister Danielle and husband Ron Fladhammer along with numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father James Willoughby; step-father Robert Lerfald; brothers-in-law Jim Rieger and Ralph Boldenow, and his best friend Joe Bauer.

Published by The Pierce County Tribune, July 20, 2024.