Obituary of Scott L. LaBoda

Scott L. LaBoda 

Age 69 of New Hope, MN 

Born June 14th,1954 to Les and Charlotte LaBoda passed away peacefully the morning of February 7th, 2024, with his wife of 49 years Connie and sons Jesse and Matt by his side. 

Scott grew up in Hopkins and Golden Valley, Minnesota, graduating from Hopkins Lindbergh High School in 1972. On March 16th, 1974, Scott and Connie were married starting their lives together in St. Louis Park then moving to New Hope, Minnesota where they have been residents since. 

He started his post high school education graduating from both Anoka Technical College and North Hennepin Community College. His lifelong passion for learning found him participating in evening classes at St. Thomas University earning his BA on May 21st, 1993, and then master’s from St. Mary’s University on January 19th, 2000, all while working full-time and having a family with two small boys. 

From an early age he was an enthusiastic history buff spanning many subjects, but particularly gave most of his attention to Napoleon, even taking his family to many different Napoleonic conventions as summer vacations. In addition to Napoleon, he was always up for a good Saturday morning car show or impromptu discussion about cars with his boys or friends. He loved all varieties of music, played the trumpet in the high school band, including Stage Band, and taught trumpet at Buds Music in Hopkins. 

Scott was an avid reader, loving all types of books. You would often find him reading a book that he had read before but found enjoyment reading it again and it was not unusual to see him reading a couple of books at the same time. He also enjoyed watching movies and favorite old TV shows like Walker Texas Ranger, Spencer for Hire, Nash Bridges and of course car shows. 

He loved coaching sports for both boys, Jesse in Baseball and Matt in Baseball/Soccer for many years. Those experiences were not just about the boys as he also built strong lifelong friendships with co-coaches Lee Jordan, Mark Haggerty, Neil Kay, and Larry McAtee. Those relationships are ones he cherished and strengthened for many years after coaching. 

Scott found his passion for sales when he got the opportunity to join Norstan and later Peoplenet. He found great professional accomplishment and pride working for such great organizations and building a professional network with colleagues, some of which became lifelong friends. 

He loved his sons very much and was so proud of them. He always believed in them, was proud of the young men they became, their accomplishments and what great dads and husbands they are. It meant so much to him that they were able to be friends as they got older, always wanting only the best in life for them. He loved every minute spent with them and will be watching them forever. 

Scott’s other favorite role was being “Papa.”  He adored his four grandchildren and loved spending time with them whether watching and cheering them on at baseball, basketball, or soccer, reading to them, having a tea party, and of course playing with them at the park or just having them around playing. He will forever love them, be with them every day and watch over them. 

While his passing came too early, he was able to fulfill a couple of lifelong dreams. In 2013, he and Connie were able to fulfill a lifelong travel dream in Paris. And as part of his 60th birthday celebration in 2014 he was able to drive a red Ferrari 360 Modena on the Exotics Racing Racetrack in Las Vegas. 

All through his long 17-month journey with cancer and kidney failure, Scott held his family up with positivity, courage, strength, hope and love. He always had a great ability to make others smile and his positive attitude will be missed. He and Connie were grateful for everyone who touched him throughout that journey. He managed the end with grace and expressed thankfulness to all his medical team for their knowledge and compassion for himself along with his family. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society, International Myeloma Foundation or American Red Cross.

A Memorial Gathering will be held Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 1:00pm - 4:00pm at Cremation Society of MN, 7110 France Avenue South, Edina MN 55435 (phone # 952-924-4100)