Scott Paul Zurn was born to Robert and Arlene Zurn (Paul) on June 21, 1971. He was the baby brother of FIVE sisters and two brothers: Cheryl, Darryl, Nancy, Mary, Rob, Linda and Julie. “Scotty” was loved and grew up in a family that enjoyed the simple things in life. They took advantage of the “farmer’s land” in the neighborhood by playing capture the flag, statue-statue, skating, climbing trees, and making obstacle courses. Their family attended St. Mary’s of the Lake Catholic church and all the kids were part of catechism on Wednesdays and services on Sundays followed by family nights watching Lawrence Welk. The tradition continued as all of Scott and Lynn’s children were baptized and continued their religious instruction at St. Mary’s.

Scott grew up in Vadnais Heights attending Birch Lake Elementary, Central Junior High, and White Bear Lake Area High School. He enjoyed participating in Boy Scouts, youth sports and hanging out with friends. Scott was a born leader and had a fierce competitive spirit that served him well as he played basketball and football in high school. He was nominated as team captain his senior year for both sports. Scott attended Gustavus Adolphus College and majored in Geology. As a Gusty, he played football and was a natural athlete and a great team player. He also liked to sketch and did some notable paintings that were proudly displayed at his house. As part of his geological explorations, Scott was able to travel to the island of St. John, Virgin Islands, Bend, Texas, and New Mexico. His experiences and geology degree allowed him to work as an Environmental Geologist at Braun Intertec, Bay West, and Canadian Pacific Railroad.

Scott and Lynn LaValley met in 1994 when Rob’s wife, Sharon, set them up on a blind date. It was love at first sight and they were married at St. Mary’s in 1995. They lived in a cute apartment in St. Paul and worked to buy their first home and start a family in Como Park. Aidan was born in 1997 and “Chloe Bird” was born in 2000. As the family grew, they moved to a beautiful older house in St. Paul and welcomed Gavin in 2003. The family moved to Stillwater in 2004 and Grayson was welcomed to the family in 2005. The Zurn Family made a fun-loving home and surrounded themselves with many friends. The family stayed active in t-ball, baseball, basketball, soccer, football, lacrosse, and volleyball. The Zurn Cabin was a source of great pride and fun. It housed many memories with both sides of the family. The LaValley crew invaded and added to the family adventures. Scott looked forward to his annual winter weekend with the “Great 8.” As a family, they traveled to Destin, Florida every year and enjoyed vacations in Montana and Colorado and many other states during several seasons of traveling baseball. As a couple, Scott and Lynn were able to get away on a few vacations to Cancun and Cabo San Lucas. Scott spent his time coaching, running, training for marathons, doing CrossFit, and playing basketball. He liked cooking dinner when he had the time and loved just hanging out with his family.

Scott was passionate about being part of the youth sports community which allowed him to coach his own kids and help develop a program that was challenging and dynamic for all his players. Scott’s coaching history is extensive, and the players loved “Coach Zurn.” To show his love of the game, he volunteered as a coach nearly every season his kids played and as the Football Commissioner for the VAA 2017-2019.

Scott was diagnosed with Stage IV Renal Cell Carcinoma in February 2020. He underwent treatments and endured side effects that challenged him physically and mentally. Scott’s courage, determination and fighting spirit were fueled by the need to be there for his kids. He was proud to be a coach but being a dad is what made his heart full. Scott wanted to be remembered as a devoted father as well as a positive and productive member of the Stillwater community. He made his kids and coaching a priority and was dedicated to teaching the youth confidence, passion, and teamwork on and off the field. He spent his last days surrounded by those he loved and cherished and passed away with Lynn and their kids by his side. You will be dearly missed by all. Rest easy Scott.

(Published in the Pioneer Press)
Scott Paul Zurn
“Coach Zurn”
Of Stillwater, Minnesota (age 49)
Beloved dad, brother and uncle was taken too soon from us after a courageous battle with cancer. Scott is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Arlene Zurn. He is survived by Lynn; his children; Aidan, Chloe, Gavin and Grayson; his siblings, Cheryl, Darryl, Nancy, Mary, Rob, Lynda and Julie and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Public visitation will be held at Mueller Memorial 4738 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake on Thursday, October 29 from 4-7 PM. A private funeral mass will take place the following day at 11 AM at Saint Mary’s of the Lake Church in White Bear Lake. The livestream of Mass may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMhrH7-pdWcE4BoIyYRjdiw/. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred for Scott’s children. Due to Covid restrictions, there will be a walk through line for visitors. We will need to move through the line quickly as we want to make sure and see all of the Zurn Strong supporters.