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Scott Spoo 02/22/2017

Scott Spoo obitScott Spoo, age 35 of St. Paul, MN, formally of Deer Park, WI, passed away unexpectedly doing what he loved.
Scott was born Sept. 15th, 1981 in New Richmond, WI, the son of Duane and Ruth (Barvels) Spoo.  He graduated from New Richmond High School as a valedictorian in the class of 2000.  He then attended West Point Military Academy and ultimately graduated with a B.S. in Biology from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay.  He went on to obtain a Masters Degree in engineering from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities while working as an engineer at 3M corporation.
Scott lived life to the fullest.  He enjoyed jogging, biking, kayaking, motocross, hiking, snowboarding and traveling.  He participated and competed in many running and biking events.  He has completed marathons, triathlons, mudder races, bike races, and charitable stair climbing events.  He had a real passion for bike riding, he would ride at anytime of year and in any type of environment.  That passion took him to the far corners of the world for bike races or just the chance to ride in a particular location.  Scott didn’t do races or events to just compete, he did them because he truly loved to be outdoors and be active.
Scott was the type of person that would help anyone that needed it.  He was a great friend to many and enjoyed spending much of his free time with his fellow cycling group members.  Scott worked to bring more awareness to bicycle safety for both bicyclists and motorists.  He would help anyone who wanted to get into biking by mentoring them when asked.  Scott’s willingness to help others included being an organ donor to aide those who are in need.
Not only did Scott enjoy riding bikes, he enjoyed working on them to keep them in tip top condition and optimize their performance capabilities.  His love of engineering came from a life long journey of tinkering with everything from toys to bikes to cars.  Scott was a real do – it – yourself-er, he and his dad would spend many hours on keeping his vehicles in great running condition.  One of the most “discussed” topics in the Spoo family was Scott’s ability and determination to keep a truck he once owned running and drive-able for more than 400,000+ miles.  This vehicle was eventually sold and now someone else is still adding miles to it.  A great family story at every occasion.
Scott was preceded in death by his grandparents: Herb, Dorothy, Roy, & Marjorie; several Aunts, Uncles, & Cousins.
He is survived by his parents, Duane & Ruth; siblings, Brian (Kathie) & Holly; many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, & Extended family.
A Celebration of Scott’s Life was held Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at 11:00 am at the New Richmond United Methodist Church (209 E 2nd St.).  Memorial visitation was held Tuesday, February 28, 2017 from 4-8 pm at Bakken-Young Beebe Chapel (112 W 3rd St.) in New Richmond and also on Wednesday from 10-11 am at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: https://bikemn.secure.nonprofitsoapbox.com/memorial-fund-for-scott-spoo or make checks payable to: Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and mention in honor or memory of Scott Spoo.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services Beebe Chapel of New Richmond.

21 Comments

  • Mari & Dennis Omann Posted February 24, 2017 6:00 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of Scott’s accident and death. I haven’t seen him in so many years, but remember him from 4-H. I believe he was about our Jeff’s age. I know how you are feeling as we lost Brian 13 months ago. I know this is tearing your heart in two and there is nothing I can do to help, but if you would like to talk or have me listen, I will be more than willing. Again my sincere sympathy.

  • Karen N. Posted February 24, 2017 10:27 pm

    I met Scott a few years ago and could instantly tell he was a kind soul. We have kept in touch long distance over the years and helped one another with dating blues, life advice and random stories — Scott always commented on my overuse of gifs, memes and emojis (which he secretly loved it! I’m sure of it!!!) His passion for biking and the outdoors was definitely worth admiring. It is truly heartbreaking his time here has ended; he had so much more to give. My thoughts and prayers are with family and other friends affected by this tragic event.

  • Wendy Posted February 25, 2017 1:16 am

    We are so very, very sorry to hear about Scott’s tragic accident. I can still picture his innocent smile. Those of us on earth cannot explain God’s plan but He must have needed a wonderful engineer. Thoughts and daily prayers for your entire family, love, Jim and Wendy

  • Kim Y. Posted February 25, 2017 2:40 am

    I didn’t know Scott but am a frequent runner of the same route. Such a terrible tragedy. My prayers are with Scott’s family and friends.

  • Ronald Faas Posted February 25, 2017 9:39 am

    Rest In Peace Scott. You were a wonderful personality and your spirit will live on – at least in my mind. You were a great example and role model for positivism and cheerfulness. I feel priviledged to have met you and worked with you.
    Ronald Faas (Cycling Team3M).

  • Connie ( Spoo) Wieck Posted February 26, 2017 2:28 am

    Duane and Ruth I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your son. My.prayers are being sent for Scott and Duane and Ruth and rest of family. I never knew Scott, but he sure does sound like a wonderful son, and truly for the people whose heart he touched.

  • Terri (Kiekhafer) and Gary Sollman Posted February 26, 2017 6:03 am

    It is a sad day. So sorry to hear of your loss.

  • Patrick McKellips Posted February 26, 2017 1:43 pm

    I am very very sorry for your loss. I know Scott through the 3M cycling community, where his contributions were significant.

  • Anne Gold Posted February 27, 2017 1:35 am

    Scott was a wonderful inventor and engineer. More than that, his kind heart touched more people at the vast company that is 3M than you would think possible. Know he spent his workdays surrounded by friends who appreciated him.

  • Justin Posted February 27, 2017 2:26 am

    Scott was a dear friend of mine for the past 10 years. He truly took me under his wing when he introduced me to mountain biking. My 2nd ride ever on a mountain bike Scott had me entered in a race. His famous last words were you will not take last, but I still did. Scott and I drove to nearly all the MN series races together so I have first hand experience with his red pick-up. I would tell him he was a 3M engineer, he could buy a new pick-up and he would just laugh. That little red pick-up always had a special parking place in the 3M lot where it could be protected in the shade for the longest time of day. Scott would think of everything. When it was my turn to drive Scott would turn off the AC and roll down the windows. Scott was so supportive. We spent many hours working on my bike in his apartment. He would get upset when I would take my bike to the shop. So many memories that will never be forgotten. May your family find peace during this time of sorrow.

  • Steve Yetter Posted February 27, 2017 2:50 pm

    I became a friend of Scott’s through the cycling community at 3M and appreciated his warmth, humor and selflessness. Scott played a key role in 3M achieving its original Bicycle Friendly Business designation and generously gave his time to support the Bicycle User Group. Scott Spoo was one of the good ones and he will be sorely missed.

  • Dina Palmer Posted February 27, 2017 3:10 pm

    My thoughts and prayers to Scott’s family. I worked with Scott at 3M and will miss his kindness and smile.

  • Kannan Seshadri Posted February 27, 2017 7:31 pm

    I interacted with Scott several times during my work at 3M – mostly at brainstorming events where we would all let our creative juices flow. Scott was such an enthusiastic chap who always had a big smile for everyone. We would also talk about biking and creativity, problem solving, etc. You could see that people loved to chat with him! He truly left a mark on everyone he interacted with. He will be sorely missed by all who had a chance to know him.
    Roam free, Scott – fly with the wind.

  • Laura Hall Posted February 28, 2017 2:45 pm

    I am very sorry for your loss. Scott had a good heart. He cared a great deal for his friends and helped them out whenever he could. He fixed my car on multiple occasions. I remember him even helping me get my car started on a frigidly cold day in January. You’ll be greatly missed Scott.

  • John Posted February 28, 2017 4:47 pm

    Scott, I feel like I lived vicariously through you since my kids arrived. I loved hearing about your trips camping across the country (or fly across the ocean) to ride in new locations. You’ll always be in my mind when I ride the Afton loop. It really was awesome to work with you. I always told people with pride that I was the one that hired you into 3M. Your passion for your work and willingness to help others was a model for those around you. You were truly loved.

  • Peter de Sibour Posted February 28, 2017 4:53 pm

    Scott will always be with us on our long bike rides. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

  • Dave / Debra Lutz Posted February 28, 2017 5:23 pm

    Thinking of you Duane and Ruth !

  • Wanda Wiebusch Posted March 1, 2017 1:06 am

    Duane Ruth Brian & Holly there are no words that can make your hurt less. I remember Scott as the cute little guy that would go to the bowling alley with us girls if you didn’t have a sitter; doesn’t seem long ago. Reach out to those that can help in this tragic time. Hugs & Prayers Wanda

  • Jennifer Posted March 1, 2017 1:38 am

    Scott was truly a special soul, like no other. I met Scott about 10 years – I guess you could say he was one of my first running buddies. We stayed in touch throughout the years, and even if weeks or months went by without seeing or talking with one another, when we did it was always like no time had passed and he was so warm and comforting to talk to about anything. I also joined Scott with one of the charitable climbing events and remember how seriously he took it – he had us train in a building stairwell – he encouraged me to keep going despite my asthma. What I have really always remembered fondly about Scott is how much love he had to give and the many conversations we would have about love and relationships. I am honored to have known him, a friend that clearly touched countless lives throughout the world. He will be missed and always remembered. My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to his family and friends. I am so very sorry for your loss.

  • Jerry and Zelda Malo Posted March 2, 2017 3:20 am

    Duane and Ruth – So sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathy and prayers for you and your family.

  • The Lucas Family Posted March 9, 2017 9:49 am

    We send our heartfelt condolences for your loss of Scott. May God give you (Ps.147:3) the strength needed during this sad time to cope. Scott touched the lives of others and will be sadly missed.

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