On April 17, 2024, Bellevue lost one of its most beloved community members. Scott Lynn Kilburg, 51, passed away leaving behind a profound legacy that continues to inspire those who knew him. His life story is not merely a chronicle of events but a testament to how one person’s dedication can transform a community.
Early Years in Bellevue
Scott entered this world on February 16, 1973, born to Dennis and Diane (Michels) Kilburg in the close-knit community of Bellevue, Iowa. Growing up, Scott developed a passion for basketball that became a defining element of his youth. Neighbors often recall seeing him shooting hoops at the park across from his family home, regardless of weather or season. This dedication paid off as he set numerous basketball records at Bellevue Marquette High School before graduating in 1991.
What set Scott apart early on was his determination to push beyond expectations. Despite being the first in his family to attend college, he embraced the challenge, enrolling at Mount Mercy College. This pioneering spirit would later become a cornerstone of his legacy.
The Heart of His World: Family
Scott’s life took on new meaning when he married Sarah Wagner on May 30, 1998. Their partnership blossomed into a family with the arrival of their children, Jake and Ellie. Those close to the family often remarked how Scott’s face would light up when speaking about his children’s accomplishments, no matter how small.
“Family wasn’t just important to Scott—it was everything,” recalls a longtime friend. “He somehow managed to make every soccer game and school event despite his busy schedule.”
His family connections ran deep, maintaining strong bonds with his parents, siblings Josh, Tami, and Jessica, and his in-laws. Sunday dinners at the Kilburg home became a tradition where stories were shared and family bonds strengthened.
Career and Mentorship
In his professional life, Scott excelled in marketing and leadership positions, bringing a unique blend of innovation and practicality to each role. Colleagues remember him not for demanding perfection, but for creating environments where everyone felt valued and motivated to contribute their best.
Perhaps most significant was Scott’s commitment to mentoring young professionals. He took particular interest in helping recent graduates navigate their early careers, offering guidance that balanced ambition with work-life harmony. A former mentee shared, “Scott taught me that success isn’t measured by titles or salary, but by the positive impact you have on others.”
Community Builder
Scott’s fingerprints can be found throughout Bellevue’s community initiatives. He approached volunteer work not as an obligation but as an opportunity to strengthen the community he loved. Whether organizing youth basketball clinics or participating in local fundraisers, Scott brought energy and genuine commitment to every project.
His approach to community service was practical and results-oriented. Rather than simply identifying problems, Scott focused on developing sustainable solutions. This approach led to several successful community programs that continue to thrive today.
The Man Behind the Achievements
Those fortunate enough to know Scott personally speak of qualities that transcended his accomplishments. His authenticity made people feel immediately comfortable in his presence. Scott possessed that rare ability to make everyone feel heard and valued, whether speaking with longtime friends or new acquaintances.
His laugh—described by many as both hearty and infectious—often preceded him into a room. Scott maintained a refreshing humility despite his success, never forgetting his roots or the values instilled by his parents.
“He was the same person whether talking to the janitor or the CEO,” notes a colleague. “That’s increasingly rare these days.”
Creating Lasting Impact
Following Scott’s passing, his family established the Scott L. Kilburg Scholarship Fund through the Community Foundation of Dubuque. This initiative supports first-generation college students from Bellevue, reflecting Scott’s own journey and his belief in education as a pathway to opportunity.
The scholarship ensures that Scott’s impact will continue for generations, creating educational opportunities for students who, like him, are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
Remembering a Life Well-Lived
On April 27, 2024, the Off Shore Event Center in Bellevue overflowed with people gathering to celebrate Scott’s life. The diversity of attendees—from childhood friends to business associates, from family members to community leaders—spoke volumes about his wide-ranging influence.
Scott Lynn Kilburg’s legacy reminds us that a meaningful life isn’t measured in years but in impact. Through his unwavering commitment to family, professional integrity, community service, and personal connections, he created ripples that continue to spread throughout Bellevue and beyond.
While his physical presence is deeply missed, Scott’s spirit lives on in the community programs he supported, the professionals he mentored, the scholarship that bears his name, and most importantly, in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.
The Scott L. Kilburg Scholarship Fund welcomes contributions through the Community Foundation of Dubuque for those wishing to honor Scott’s memory and support future generations of first-generation college students.
