Scott Scepaniak
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On September 3, 2021 @ 5:05 pm In 2021,Obituaries | 20 Comments
Scott Scepaniak, of Prior Lake, passed away September 1, 2021 at the age of 64.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, September 7, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant St. SE) in Prior Lake. Funeral Service is Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 10:30 AM with visitation one-hour prior at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Prior Lake. Pastor Greg DeMuth will preside, and Scott will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Aberdeen, SD.
Frank Scott Scepaniak, better known as Scott, was born November 25, 1956 in Aberdeen, SD to Frank and LaVonne. Growing up, Scotty adored his grandmother Hatta, and spent a lot of time at her house. Scott had a younger sister, Carla and younger brother, Todd. Scott graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1975 and Iowa State University in 1979 with a degree in Economics.
Scott developed a love of all animals at a young age. His parents always had dogs (Sheba) and cats, but also raised Arabian and Thoroughbred horses on their farm. He learned to take care of them and also assisted in training the racehorses. Although he loved the animals, he would complain about having to help haul hay in hot SD summers! He had two cats at the time of his death, Petunia and Punkin and Phishy the fish. They especially brought him comfort during his last days.
Back in high school, Scott met Pam Petersen in the fall of 1974. They were in separate cars “taking Mains” (driving up and down Main Street in Aberdeen). He was driving his dad’s “boat” of a car, a Chrysler Imperial, with his best friend alone in the backseat. Pam was the passenger in her friend’s car, and had to say something sarcastic to the two. This began a 6 year courtship and the high school sweethearts married January 3, 1981. Over the course of 40 years, they lived in Aberdeen and Pierre, SD, Madison, WI and Savage/Prior Lake, MN.
Their precious daughter, Piper, was born September 15, 2001 after 20 years of marriage. She was the light of Scott’s life. They enjoyed riding bikes together in AZ, picking agates at Lake Superior, horse racing and attending music concerts.
During Scott and Pam’s 40+ years, they enjoyed gardening (planting trees, flowers and vegetables), nine trips to wine country in CA, drinking and learning about wine, visiting the North Shore and Fountain Hills, AZ. They purchased homes on the North Shore in Silver Bay, MN and Fountain Hills, AZ. Scott always trusted Pam’s choices in real estate. Scott loved the “cabin” in Silver Bay and would sit for hours watching Lake Superior from the patio. Up North he developed a love of “picking” agates. He would leave the house early with his coffee and scan the beach for hours before others picked it. His one request is to be buried with his largest agate (the size of his fist) and that Pam couldn’t cut it! He also liked picking up sea glass, metal and broken pottery that was so smooth from being washed by the waves. He also could be seen around town with Piper on the Moped named “Scootie”.
Scott loved attending music concerts with Aerosmith being his favorite. He saw Aerosmith multiple times starting in the early 70’s. His love of concerts and music bonded Piper and him together. He took her to her first “Wiggles” concert, later Jonas Brothers, One Direction and Taylor Swift multiple times. He talked Pam into allowing him to take Piper to Aerosmith when she was young and even she has seen them twice. Scott also loved going to the race track (Canterbury) and could read a racing form so well, that other’s always asked for his picks. Though he wouldn’t share all his secrets. Beyond the horse track, his love of betting extended to Final Four Basketball and travelled to Las Vegas yearly. He also enjoyed Packer football and UW Madison – Badger basketball and football. He and his brother Todd would often text on weekends about games and golf.
His love of racehorses and gambling developed into a Racing and Gaming career that spanned over 4 decades. He started his career as a clerk making $4 an hour for the SD Racing Commission. He later moved to Pierre, SD to become Deputy then Director for the State of SD. He worked the “bush track” horse races in Aberdeen and Fort Pierre, SD and also the dog tracks in Rapid City and Sioux City, SD. In 1988 he was recruited by the State of WI Racing Board to become Asst. Director. He later became Executive Director. His team developed the greyhound industry rules and regulations and oversaw construction of the dog tracks from a compliance standard. In 2003, Scott was sought out by Mystic Lake Casino to become their Compliance Director which later became VP of Compliance. He enjoyed his position as liaison between the Board and the Gaming Commission. During his career, he was invited to the University of AZ and Las Vegas to speak on various gaming topics. He loved his job and was very passionate in everything he did.
Scott’s last request was to have a wedding band. He never owned one, so he and Piper chose a Black Hills Gold band with 3 diamonds. The Hospice Chaplain conducted a ring ceremony, which was a renewal of their vows. His fingers were swollen so he wore it on his little finger, as did Pam, as hers didn’t fit. This was a very sentimental gesture for Scott.
He was very loved and will be missed by all.
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What a wonderful man. No matter where he was headed or how busy he was he always made it a point to at least say hello. My husband also worked at the casino, Scott and Kyle had conversations often because they were both boys from South Dakota, generally the same area. May you rest on peace Mr Scepaniak (Scott), you will be greatly missed by many. Our deepest sympathies to Pam and Piper and all your family and many friends. Jeanie and Kyle Tutsch
I never met Scott, but I do know his brother, Todd. After reading this obituary, I feel like I know Scott, and I know Todd better. Todd speaks highly of his family and growing up in Aberdeen.
My condolences to all of Scott’s family and friends, and especially to his daughter, Piper. It’s tough when you lose your hero at such an early age. I hope you keep your memories of him close to your heart, and let them give you hope and encouragement for the rest of your life.
I feel so lucky to have known Scott. He was my boss and my friend. We shared a passion for Aerosmith and one of my favorite memories is going to a concert with him at Alpine Valley. I learned a lot from Scott over the years and appreciated his leadership and kindness. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies, Pam and Piper. You are both in my prayers.
Deepest condolences to Pam, Piper, Todd,Carla, and Scott’s Extended family. I remember Hatta very well. I spent a lot of time at the Wiersbeck house, for my parents lived right across the street. I remember the German Shepherd, also. In deepest sympathy. God bless all of you. Mabel knittel Kusler of Pierre, South Dakota
to the family, Scott was a nice young man and with that he grew into a wonderful person. My sympathy
and prayer goes out to the family. God be with you
Deepest sympathy to the Scepaniak family on your loss. Scott was a soft spoken man, knowledgeable in his field and kind to those who knew him. While he leaves a large void in his family and friends lives the memories will stand the test of time.
Rest easy there are no more battles to fight just sit back on a well lived life.
Pam, I’m so sorry to hear about Scott. I remember the good times we spent together in Aberdeen. Scott will always be in your heart.
Pam, I am so sorry for your loss of Scott. I have lots of great memories of you and Scott when we worked together in Aberdeen. Prayers as you continue thru a difficult week and years to come.
Dear Pam, My heart goes out to you and Piper! I am so sorry to read about Scott. My memories of him go back to the years golfing at Lee Park in Aberdeen. You and Piper will be in my prayers for your memories to comfort you, strength to guide you and to have peace in your heart. Scott will always be with you. <3
This is a poem given to me:
"Faith to light the darkened sky
Hope to grace the dawn
Love to touch and heal the soul
Strength to carry on."
Hi Pam – So sorry to hear of Scott’s passing! I wish I had some magic words to ease the pain. It seems like yesterday we were playing golf, bugging gary in the clubhouse or betting on a hot horse together! Scott will be missed!
Pam, Sorry to hear about the passing of Scott. You have many memories to carry in your heart.
My condolences to all of you, Pam, piper and family.
Scott was an industry expert in the area of compliance and leaves behind many industry friends. I have known Scott and his family for over thirty years. He was appointed by the Governor of Wisconsin to establish the Gaming industry in Wisconsin. I had the privilege of working beside him and getting to know the many sides of him. It was not unusual to see his name as a presenter at the major gaming shows. When Piper was born, he became an amazing father and was proud of her accomplishments. So much sadness for all the things that Scott will miss, especially for Pam and Piper as they go through life without him. RIP Scott, you will always be my best friend.
See you on the other side Scott. We had some great times and we’ll have more when we meet again. ACHS ‘75
Rest In Peace Scott, I don’t ever remember you without a big smile on your face so many years ago. Condolences to all of your family.
Christy (Jensen) Rodgers
So sorry to hear about Scott. I was looking through some pictures about two weeks ago and found one of Scott and Ed, up to mischief, when we were at Arrowwood for a company outing and it brought back lots of good memories from when you lived in Aberdeen. So glad that you and Piper have so many fond memories to help console you and bring you comfort. Thinking of you and keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. A life well lived!
I’m so sorry to hear of Scott’s passing. Scott always stopped to talk to team members, no matter who they were. Him and I had several conversations in passing. He was a great guy to work for, he listened.
My sincere condolences for his family and friends! God bless his soul!
Pam,
You probably won’t remember me, but Scott was a friend of mine at ISU. When I was a freshman in 1977, Scott kind of mentored me on how to survive the perils of Foster House. Anyway, I want you to know how sorry I am and how much I enjoyed hanging out with him.
Mark Hanson
I’m sorry no one at Mystic told me of Scott’s passing. He and I worked together and he was always a presence in the room! He and I spoke of AZ often as I have a home in Cottonwood. He asked me for places to go with his daughter when he visited and I tried to give him great places to enjoy. Scott was always pleasant and friendly and always had time to speak with anyone who approached him. When I retired I missed not being able to say goodbye to him, but he has been in my thoughts often. My condolences to Scott’s family; may you have fond and loving memories of a good and true man.
I am so sorry to hear of Scott’s passing. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Scott at the SMSC and considered him a professional mentor. He had such a genuine caring demeanor and commitment to doing what was right. I learned a lot from him that will carry on in my career and am forever grateful for that.
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Scott was a wonderful person. He was so proud of his family and we had many wonderful conversations. Talking about family gave Scott a special glow. We had great times working together and I miss our chats. We were all so blessed to have known him. Rest in peace Scott. I’m sure we all have a special angel now. Hugs to his family.