Scott Lawrence Cahill

WAUKEE - Scott Lawrence Cahill of Waukee, Iowa, born November 12, 1966; born into eternal life May 12, 2013.

Scott died unexpectedly at Iowa Methodist West Hospital, West Des Moines, Iowa.

He was the beloved husband of Susan Cahill, devoted father of Cassi, Emily and Sarah, and a loving son and brother.

Scott was born in Mason City, Iowa, to Martin and Kathryn (Pint) Cahill. He attended Newman Catholic High School, receiving the Al Connor Outstanding Athlete Award in 1985, and graduated with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University in 1990.

Scott married Susan Betts in 1992 and they were blessed with three beautiful daughters: Cassi, 17, Emily, 14, and Sarah, 11. He lived for his family, coaching all three girls in soccer, basketball and softball. Scott loved all sports, especially football and his beloved Vikings and Cyclones. But more than playing, Scott was a teacher and coach to his MAC softball youth team, The West Side Soul basketball team and the Maroon Athletic Club.

Scott served his church and his community as a member of the Knights of Columbus and was named the 2009 Iowa Grand Knight of the Year. He served in a number of capacities in the founding and on-going service of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, as well as Dowling Catholic High School.

Scott was assistant vice president of Corporate Real Estate at the Principal Financial Group. He managed all of the company's facilities, including the recently announced major renovation of The Principal campus. Scott's contributions to the community included overseeing the construction of the $70 million Principal Riverwalk over the past eight years incorporating eight major amenities, including the iconic Iowa Women of Achievement pedestrian bridge, and improving downtown flood control in the process. Scott's children still call the Brenton Skating Plaza, "Dad's Rink" because of the special pride he took in that project. He served on the boards of directors of the Riverfront Development Authority, Heritage Carousel, Operation Downtown and the Greenbelt Advisory Committee.

Scott was quietly effective in all his endeavors. He was a get-it-done, kind, passionate, fun and loving person. He was a role model to his children and co-workers alike; equally at home making a major presentation to the City Council or board of directors in a business suit or coaching his girls wearing a sweatsuit. In truth, he preferred the sweats.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Eugene Betts, his grandparents, aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife Sue, daughters Cassi, Emily and Sarah, his brother Mark (Deb) Cahill of Minneapolis, sister Kim Cahill of Mason City, mother-in-law Darlene Betts of Mason City, brothers- in- law Mike (Renee) Betts of Mason City and Randi (Sue) Betts of Iowa City and their families.

A funeral mass will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in West Des Moines, with visitation today, Wednesday, May 15, from 5 until 8 p.m. at St. Francis.

Family support and updates: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ scottcahill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to his family for contributions at a later date.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Westover Funeral Home in Des Moines is handling arrangements.