Scott Lautenbaugh

1964 - 2023

Scott Alan Lautenbaugh, age 59, passed away on December 16, 2023 after a brief hospitalization. He was born in 1964 in Sioux City, Iowa and the family moved to Omaha in 1970. A proud graduate of Omaha South High School, he continued his education at Creighton University and was a 1991 graduate of the Creighton School of Law. Following law school he entered private practice with several firms over the years where he represented clients in an array of legal matters. An attorney and lobbyist, Scott is best known professionally as a former Nebraska State Senator and former Douglas County Election Commissioner.

While serving as Election Commissioner he had the distinct honor of being sued by former State Senator Ernie Chambers, elevating Scott to an elite fraternity that includes the likes of Tom Osborne and God. He won. Following that service, he was appointed in 2007 by Governor Dave Heineman to represent Legislative District 18 following the early departure of State Senator Mick Mines. He won a special election in 2008 and a regular election in 2010, concluding his service in the Unicameral in 2015 as a result of term limits.



As a dyed in the wool Republican, Scott was a true believer in the Party of Lincoln and a stalwart defender of personal liberty and small businesses. Scott abhorred government overreach and would not stand for any person or organization telling him how or what to do. This guided his time in the Legislature and the projects he chose to take on.

Most notably, Scott stepped up in defense of Nebraska businesses adversely affected by Nebraska's smoking ban. Cigar bars were being run out of business by the blanket prohibition, and as someone who understood the unique circumstances of these establishments - he was known to partake in a cigar on occasion - Scott took umbrage and came to their rescue. After an exhaustive effort, he was ultimately victorious and these establishments thrive in communities across the state (without any of the apocalyptic consequences opponents claimed would occur, as Scott would often note).

Scott's battles against mandates and overreach would expand far beyond his legislative efforts. Scott disagreed with the mandatory nature of the State Bar Association and, rather than simply criticize it, he set about making it better. He did so by filing a petition with the Nebraska Supreme Court. He prevailed, and many agree that the State Bar Association has become a much better organization as a result of Scott's diligence.

Ultimately, Scott was a larger-than-life presence, a force of nature, and even now, to imagine the world without him is like trying to fathom if the Grand Canyon were suddenly filled in or Mount Everest was suddenly a parking lot. Such was the enormity of his personality and his heart. If you were his friend, it was for life and he'd move heaven and earth for you. If you were his enemy? You would know it, and realize you'd made a grave mistake. Thankfully, it was in his nature to make friends easily, which is why he always had far more friends than enemies. He was kind, thoughtful, and sincere. His unique combination of humor and intellect endeared him to others and rendered him a dynamic statesman and attorney. A great dad. An outstanding friend. He touched numerous lives, and his legacy will be long-lasting.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Janis Lautenbaugh and his beloved dog Jack. He is survived by his partner, Laura Nelson; his sons Kyle Lautenbaugh, Nathan Lautenbaugh, Spencer Brewer, like a daughter Sarah Nelson; his sisters Deb Evans and Lisa Todd (Curt); many nieces, nephews and cousins and his adored cat Rocky.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family for later designation.