Scott Awtry Ferguson

Scott Awtry Ferguson, son of Stuart and Lois (Awtry) Ferguson, was born on December 7, 1954 in Newton, Iowa. Scott was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Newton, Iowa. He attended school in Newton, graduating with the Class of 1972 and continued his education at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa where he received his Associates degree.While attending DMACC, Scott met his future bride, Debra Jean Rietveld. They were united in marriage on July 17, 1976 in Otley, Iowa. To this union, three children were born: Maggie, Anna and Joe. After their marriage, Scott and Deb made their home in Newton where he worked for Brown’s Shoe Fit Company from 1975 to 1981 moving to various communities throughout Iowa and Nebraska. In 1981, Scott and Deb moved to Denison, Iowa from Fairfield where Scott began his career with Edward Jones Investments.Scott definitely found the right career path forming many lifelong relationships and friendships with his clients throughout the country. He truly loved his job and the people he dealt with on a daily basis. In his over 35 years with Edward Jones, he soon became a Limited Partner. He then became a Regional Leader where he achieved General Partnership with the firm. Throughout the years he served as a mentor to many financial advisors in the Jones family and was part of their Hiring Task Force. Scott received much recognition for his achievements throughout his career with Edward Jones.Scott was very active throughout Denison and Crawford County. He was a long time Rotarian where he served as president and was a Paul Harris Fellow award winner. He was also a past member of the Crawford County Memorial Hospital Board and Crawford County Community Foundation and a founder of the Citizens of Crawford County Endowment Fund. He had also served as Deacon and Elder at the United Presbyterian Church in Denison.He was an avid musician throughout his life playing both the drums and guitar. His musical career began at the age of 13 when he became a member of the Astronuts and even performed at the Bill Riley Talent Show. His passion for music grew and he continued playing with friends for many years, grabbing a set of drumsticks at any given opportunity. Scott’s love for sharing music showed when he and a friend founded the “Little Boyer Blues Society” and brought musicians to Denison for people to enjoy. He loved going to concerts and was a huge Parrot Head. It was his mission to take his entire family to a Jimmy Buffet concert. They were able to achieve that goal in 2011. He also had a quick wit, infectious smile and laugh and even a little mischievous side to him that everyone adored. And boy, could he tell a story.Scott looked forward to spending time at his favorite place, “The Island” at Lake Okoboji where he loved boating and relaxing with his family and friends at the lake home. Scott also enjoyed golfing, playing cards, especially cribbage, traveling and watching Yankee baseball games and following the Iowa Hawkeyes. Most importantly, Scott loved being with his family and supporting his children in all their activities while growing up. Becoming a grandpa was one of the proudest moments of his life.Scott died on March 20, 2017 at the Crawford County Hospital in Denison, Iowa at the age of sixty-two years. He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law, Elmer Rietveld. He is survived by wife, Debra Ferguson of Denison, Iowa; his children: Maggie and her husband Chad Anthony of Huxley, Iowa; Anna and her husband Ian Miller of Guthrie Center, Iowa and Joe Ferguson and his wife Nicole of Denison; three grandchildren: Trevin and Ava Anthony and Alice Miller; his beloved dachshund, Maizie; brother Stuart Ferguson and his wife Susan of Princeton, New Jersey; mother-in-law, Eleanor Rietveld, brother-in-law John (Tereasa) Rietveld, and sister-in-law Susan (Tim) VanGorp all of Pella, Iowa; nieces and nephews, other relatives and many, many friends.Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 27, 2017 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Denison, Iowa, with Rev David Loeschen officiating. Music for the service included a Recording of “Turn, Turn, Turn”, and a piano selection of “Hallelujah” with Mary Kuhlmann serving as pianist. “Amazing Grace” was played on the bagpipes by Joanie Buller. Speakers were Stuart Ferguson and Kirk Leonard. Honorary Pallbearers were The Denison Coffee Club and Pallbearers were Dr. Doug Soseman, Rick Crampton, Steve Martens, Dr. Steve Brownmiller, Dr. Steve Oatman, Jeff Ploeger, Ron Backhaus, and J.R. Pauley. Private Family Interment was at Crawford Heights Memory Gardens, Denison, Iowa. Following the service everyone was invited to remain at the church for fellowship and a luncheon provided by Lidderdale Country Store. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com , Denison, Iowa was in charge of arrangements. A visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 26, 2017 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Denison, Iowa.