Scott Russell Wiese passed away on September 30, 2023 at the age of 68. He was born to his parents, Lyle and Esther Wiese, on August 1, 1955, in Pierce, Nebraska. He was raised in the Norfolk, Nebraska, area and attended Christ Lutheran Parochial school until age 10. In 1965, Scott and his family moved to Benkelman, Nebraska, where he would forge lasting friendships and lay the foundation for his future endeavors.
Scott grew up and attended school in Benkelman and graduated from Benkelman High School in 1973. In the early years following high school, he tried his hand at several different professions. Scott worked as a ranch and farm hand on Verle Raichart Ranch, served as the County Weed Control Officer, and even a part-time sheriff's deputy for a short time. His unique path led him to graduate from Missouri Auctioneer School in 1976, earning him the honorary title of "Colonel." He worked with his family at the Benkelman sale barn, where he served as the auctioneer for several years.
On August 23, 1975, Scott married his wife, Debra Neitzel. Their union blessed them with three sons and a daughter. When the Wiese family retired from the Sale Barn, Scott used his experience working on the Raichart Ranch to start a hog farm and a custom haying business. When the market shifted, Scott and Deb refocused their efforts solely on “Wiese Hay.” This endeavor became a true family business in every sense of the term, with Scott, Deb, and their children working hand in hand. Deb would always be right by Scott’s side, doing almost everything together. Their names would become almost synonymous because if you said one of their names, you normally said the other. As the children grew, so did their responsibility in the hay farming business. It wouldn’t be uncommon to see Scott and his family driving machinery all over Dundy County to tend to the fields they would be working. If you saw Scott working, odds were you would see him with his kids and Deb. Scott instilled his own personality traits in his family, raising his children to have determination and a strong work ethic.
In 1991, Scott and Deb purchased land from Roy Miller, and in 2005, he expanded his farm ground by acquiring John Snyder's land after his passing. This fulfilled Scott’s dream of being a substantial landowner and farmer. Summers were always busy farming, and he dedicated his time to delivering bales to clients during the winters. Scott took great pride in his truck, which became a symbol of his dedication and hard work. Scott also collaborated with his friend, Dr. Tom Noffsinger, to establish S&T Cattle Company, where they ran a profitable cow/calf operation on the farm.
Scott's focus was always on his farm. He never ventured far away, but he was passionate about his hobbies. He truly loved fishing and always looked forward to the yearly dove hunt with his boys. Scott also had a genuine passion for engaging in conversations and will forever be remembered as a captivating storyteller. Rarely did a morning pass without him joining the local coffee crew in town for a cup of coffee and some “story time.”
Scott is survived by his brothers, Rod, Larry, Brad, Kip, and his sister, Bonnie Willis. He also leaves behind his wife Deb, son Gavin (friend Jennifer, granddaughters Hailey and Hannah), son Jason (daughter-in-law Lindsay, grandson Brody and granddaughter Alexandra), daughter Jill (son-in-law Brent DeLong, granddaughters McKenzlie, Brooklyn, and Holly), and son Jared (grandson Jadyn and Axel, and granddaughter Adison) and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Scott was preceded in death by his parents; sisters-in-laws, Trudy and Sherri Wiese.
A visitation will be held Thursday, October 5 from 5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M (Mountain Time) at Benkelman Memorial Chapel.
Funeral Service will be held Friday, October 6, at 10:30 A.M. (Mountain Time) at Zion Lutheran Church with Jim Gleason officiating. Interment to follow at Benkelman Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Deb Wiese for a designation of family choice at a later date. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.liewerfuneralhome.com Benkelman Memorial Chapel entrusted with arrangements.