The community of Amherst, Nebraska, lost a beloved figure when Scott Alan Kratzer passed away at the age of 57 at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island on October 7, 2025.
Scott’s death has had a massive effect on his family, friends, colleagues, and the many student-athletes he supported throughout his long career.
As news spread, tributes poured in from across the state, highlighting his kindness, dedication, and the unbreakable bonds he formed with those around him.
Scott was born on August 20, 1968, in Grand Island to Ron and Linda (Yantzie) Kratzer.
In the summer of 1973, the family moved to Broken Bow, where Scott grew up alongside his younger brother, Brett. From an early age, Scott was passionate about sports.
He loved watching and playing games with his brother and cousins, and he joined the Broken Bow Boxing Club as a young boy.
Football was another favorite, especially cheering for the Oakland Raiders and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. In high school, he discovered golf, a sport that would become a lifelong passion.
Scott always strived for excellence in everything he did. He worked hard in school and graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1986.
He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training, Health, and Physical Education from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in May 1992.
During his time at UNL, Scott proudly served as a student athletic trainer for the swimming and football teams.
He continued his education, receiving a Master of Science in Workforce Education and Development with an endorsement in Sports Management from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale in 1996.
Scott became a certified Athletic Trainer through the National Athletic Trainers Association in 1993 and earned his certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist in 2000.
His Professional Career was Marked by a Commitment to and Skill in his Work
Scott worked as a trainer at 21st Century Rehab in Nevada, Iowa, before relocating to Kearney in 1997 to join Trails West Sports Medicine, which later became New West Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery.
For 28 years, he served as a certified athletic trainer, positively impacting the lives of countless athletes and earning the respect of those in central Nebraska.
New West Sports Medicine shared a heartfelt message on their Facebook page, noting that Scott was one of their very first employees and describing his passing as a heavy loss for the entire team.
It was during his master’s studies in Carbondale that Scott met Staci Robertson, who was pursuing her undergraduate degree in Athletic Training.
They bonded over their shared love of sports, intramural competitions, country music, and dancing.
The couple married on March 21, 1998, in Burlington, Iowa. They welcomed their daughter, Natalie, in 2000 and their son, Tyler, in 2003.
The family lived in Kearney until 2014, when they moved to a home they built together near Amherst. Sadly, Scott was preceded in death by an infant son.
Faith played a central role in Scott’s life. He began each morning by reading his favorite Bible scriptures, finding strength and guidance in prayer.
Beyond his professional duties, Scott enjoyed a variety of hobbies that reflected his energetic spirit. He loved golfing, deer hunting, fishing, working out at the gym, and grilling on his Traeger.
Of course, he never missed a chance to cheer on his beloved Husker football team. Scott lived life to the fullest, always prioritizing his family and friends above all else.
He was deeply passionate about his work and took great joy in helping his student-athletes succeed both on and off the field.
Scott Kratzer’s Death Brought Many People to Share Their Condolences
Sargent Public School, where he served as athletic trainer, announced on their Facebook page that they would cancel classes for elementary students (PK-6) on Thursday, October 16, to allow staff to attend his funeral.
Colleagues and friends shared touching memories.
Aaron Klingehoefer wrote,
“Tough loss of not just a coworker but a great friend! If you had ever been around the group of us athletic trainers at New West, you could tell that Scott was the glue that held us together. While sometimes we acted more like brothers teasing each other than coworkers, the bond that us trainers share together was because of Scott. He will be missed by a lot of people whose lives he touched, including most of all, his group of athletic trainers!”
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Jordan Stithem added,
“Scott was a friend and a mentor to many. I got to know him well when I was a GA at UNK and always looked forward to catching up with him at NSAA and NSATA events. Not sure there is someone that has positively impacted young kids’ lives as much as he did. My heart goes out to his family and his New West family. He didn’t go down without a fight. Damn.”
Via Facebook
Josh Klosterman III recalled,
“I first got to know Scott when he was my trainer as an athlete in high school. Then got to know him even better in my four years coaching in Amherst. I have so many great memories with him and anyone that knew him is going to miss him greatly. One of the very best!”
Via Facebook
Scott’s influence spread far and wide, with community gatherings organized in his memory and tributes paying tribute to his lasting spirit.
Memorial services for Scott will be held at 11:00 a.m. on October 16, 2025, at Kearney eFree Church. Visitation is scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on October 15, 2025, at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Scott Alan Kratzer UNK Sports Medicine Memorial Fund.
Those wishing to leave tributes or messages of condolence can visit www.hlmkfuneral.com. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services is handling the arrangements.
Scott is survived by his wife, Staci, of Amherst; daughter, Natalie, of Kearney; son, Tyler; parents, Ron and Linda; and brother, Brett.
Scott Kratzer’s legacy as a mentor, friend, and devoted family man will continue to inspire those who knew him.
