Scott Dana Engdahl

Scott Dana Engdahl, 59, of Columbus, Nebraska, passed away on March 11, 2026, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

Born on April 20, 1966, in Lawton, Oklahoma, to Jerry and Glenna (Thomsen) Engdahl, Scott faced immediate health challenges when he was diagnosed with hydrocephalus. Against medical advice to abandon him, his parents found a surgeon who installed a shunt that saved his life. Though his early years involved difficulties and adjustments, from age 10 onward he embraced life fully. He graduated from Columbus High School, earned an Associate Degree from Platte College—often riding his moped to classes—and traveled the western United States singing with a choral music group, forming many lifelong friendships.

Scott lived independently from the age of 21, working for several years at Russ’s Super Foods, more than 15 years at McDonald’s—where his friendly customer service was widely appreciated—and later at HyVee. He carefully invested $50 each month he worked, eventually owning and maintaining his own home for 19 years before moving into an apartment to enjoy more social connection. He had a deep love for music, frequently playing his Alexa, collecting hundreds of CDs and DVDs, attending concerts, and playing piano for patients at Nye Legacy Rehab just days before his final hospitalization.

Scott is survived by his parents, Jerry and Glenna Engdahl; his brother, Troy (Nicole) Engdahl and nieces Bailee and Taylor; his sister, Heather (Jamie) Storey, and their children Michael, Madison, Gibson, Elle and her friend Karter, and Tyler; nine aunts and uncles; ten cousins; and many dear local friends, including Brian and Jenny Scribner, Dave Stevens and family, Scott Dohmen, Jim Egger, Richard Swartz, Colton Goc, and countless others. He was preceded in death by his cousin Jeff Engdahl, uncle Lanny Thomsen, and his grandparents.