Scott Lautenbaugh Omaha Obituary: Scott Lautenbaugh, a former Nebraska State Senator and Douglas County Election Commissioner, died at the age of 59.
Scott Lautenbaugh, 59, died on Saturday, December 16, 2023, according to an online obituary. His cause of death was not stated immediately.
The heartbreaking news emerged online Saturday morning when Lautenbaugh’s close personal friend, Conklin Company director Rod Edwards, shared word of his passing.
Edwards wrote, “We lost a good friend early this morning. Scott Lautenbaugh touched a lot of lives and made friends everywhere. He would help anyone and always could cut through B.S. with an incredible sense of humor.”
Lautenbaugh was a Republican politician from Nebraska. He represented an Omaha-based district in the Nebraska Legislature from 2007 until 2014.
He was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on November 11, 1964, and graduated from South High School in Omaha in 1983. Creighton University awarded him a B.A. (1987) and a J.D. (1991). In Omaha, he works as a lobbyist and as an attorney in private practice.
Lautenbaugh was the Douglas County Election Commissioner from 2000 to 2003. After years of discussion, the Nebraska Supreme Court upheld his decision to redistribute the Omaha City Council during his tenure. He also imposed a school board redistricting plan for Omaha Public Schools, which the Nebraska Supreme Court only partially changed.
The former Senator earned regard from allies and opponents alike for his blunt, authentic approach throughout his lengthy career in public service. His confidence and charisma commanded attention across party lines.
Lautenbaugh was a larger-than-life figure throughout civic life in Omaha and greater Nebraska. His passing leaves an indelible void in Cornhusker State leadership.
Lawmaker Reacts…
“I am stunned that my former colleague Scott Lautenbaugh passed away this morning. He was an enterprising, creative, and skilled orator who challenged the status quo and fought for conservative values. In the legislature, he championed fair election laws and was an early advocate for school choice. We are praying for his family and will long remember his incredible sense of humor and his friendship.”
“I was saddened to learn of the passing of my former colleague Scott Lautenbaugh this morning. Scott was a valuable member of the Legislature and of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee. I enjoyed working with him on the infrastructure needs of Nebraska. He helped build a stronger Nebraska and was always guided by his conservative values.”
The Douglas County Election Commission and Brian W. Kruse, Election Commissioner, mourn the passing of Scott Lautenbaugh and extend sympathy to his family. We are grateful for his leadership of fair and free elections in Douglas County from 2000 to 2003 as Election Commissioner.