Dr. Scott Frederick Stieber

Scott Frederick Stieber, gifted physician, committed husband, cherished father of four girls and grandfather of five, died peacefully on August 11, 2026 in his home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his daughters. He was many things to many people: "Dr. Scott," "Doc," "Papa," "Bodine," a devoted son, beloved older brother, treasured uncle, cherished friend, supportive father-in-law, caregiver, advice giver, project doer, and injustice fighter. He was also sweet, sensitive, and goofy. He was a genuinely good person. Anyone who got to know him would tell you he was one of the best they'd ever met.

Born May 3, 1953, to Fritz and Connie Stieber, Scott grew up in the Milwaukee suburb of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. The first of four children, he spent most of his childhood notching achievements and creating mischief with his younger brothers, Dave and Jeff. He was an Eagle Scout, a high school math scholar, and an altar boy. His youngest sister, Maribeth, arrived when he was fourteen, a welcome surprise to the whole family. Watching Fritz's sweet, patient love for Mari primed Scott for his eventual role as a father of four girls. He was every bit as gentle and sweet as Fritz. 

A perpetual questioner and an innate metaphysician, Scott realized early on that he was seeking structure and purpose outside the bounds of traditional cosmologies. After some soul-searching in early college, Scott found his purpose-medicine-and his academic footing. He graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1976. He made many lifelong friendships in Eau Claire, but most importantly he met Diane, his wife of 50 years and partner in adventure, festivities, travel, and parenthood. Through Diane, he gained another sister in Karen, and parents-in-law Dave and Susie DeVinney. 

Scott excelled at medical school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison while he and Diane built a life and a family-first with houseplants and their beloved cat, Bucky, and then their firstborn daughter, Erin. After medical school, the family moved to Chapel Hill, where Scott completed his residency in anesthesiology at the University of North Carolina Memorial Hospital. There, two more girls joined the family-Lindsey first, and then Chelsea. It was in North Carolina that Scott and Diane met their lifelong friends, the Murphys, and bonded over 100+ hour residency weeks with multiple children under the age of three. They managed to carve out plenty of time for fun, too, a tradition the two couples would keep up for years to come. 

The family briefly moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where Scott completed a fellowship in cardiothoracic anesthesiology at Emory University Hospital, before settling in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1985 when he accepted a job with Anesthesia Associates of Lancaster. It was there that he and Diane welcomed their last daughter Molly, a belated addition to the family whom he lovingly referred to as his Little Princess. If Lancaster was an easy choice, it didn't mean that Scott and Diane instantly fit in. Indeed, their Midwestern sensibilities were a bit of a head-scratcher for those unfamiliar with the idiosyncrasies and guileless charm of a good Wisconsinite. They never wavered, however, and lived life the way they wanted-notwithstanding social conventions (or their daughters' teenage embarrassment). 

Professionally, Scott thrived in his role as an anesthesiologist, combining his compassion and brilliance for the benefit of his patients. He was an innovator in Lancaster, helping establish the Surgical Center for Lancaster General Hospital, where he served as its first Medical Director and created the pre-anesthesia clinic. He loved teaching and mentoring other health professionals and educating his patients. He also prioritized international philanthropy, carving out time in his busy career to participate in surgical treatment and education programs in Latin America and Asia, where he was invited to spend a week with the Dalai Lama at his ashram. In 2013, he received the Lancaster General Societas Generalis Excellence in Medicine Award.

Scott's life was punctuated by a series of projects: restoring pool tables, designing irrigation systems, refurbishing sailboats, hosting wine tastings for friends and family, engineering fireplaces, sewing, building wine cellars, cultivating heirloom tomatoes, and even a spell as an indoor horticulturalist. He skied, sailed, golfed, fished, camped, canoed, collected antique furniture, and curated an impressive wine collection. All of his projects involved extensive research: poring over books, reading manuals, consulting with subject matter experts. He was always learning, always studying. The bookshelves he filled and the craftsmanship he left behind are a testament to his insatiable desire to use his brain and his hands to make purposeful, lasting things. 

In his personal life, he was a constant presence behind the camcorder, documenting beach vacations, summer road trips back to Wisconsin, and sweet, silly moments at home. The life he and Diane built in Lancaster was full of deep, meaningful relationships with friends and neighbors. As a physician, he regularly treated Amish patients. Over time, those interactions blossomed into true friendships with several families in the community, filled with Fourth of July barbecues, farmhouse visits, and a lasting mutual respect. He also found kindred spirits at TAIT Towers who, like him, were willing to imagine, adapt, and solve problems others might call impossible. This became a second home in his retirement. 

He was so proud of his children and relished sharing in all of their achievements. He graciously and gratefully welcomed his children's partners, Pablo, Michael, and Alex, into the family (sons! at last!). He wasted no time pulling them into projects and bonding over golf, wine inventories, and music. Scott also loved babies. One of his greatest clinical joys was working at Women and Babies Hospital to help bring new life into the world. But no babies brought him greater joy than his own grandchildren, who always elicited the biggest smiles. He delighted in visits from Millie and Clara, Fred and Fran, and Sam. 

Scott spent the last 15 years of his life living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). His diagnosis, which he admitted initially led to feelings of depression and anger, ultimately led him to the mindfulness practices of yoga, meditation, and breathwork. He was able to preserve his stamina and strength, extending his life and unlocking new ways of being in the world. He celebrated his ability to find a sense of focus, presence, and contentment in the face of a terminal diagnosis. He became a tireless advocate for prana, yoga, and breathwork and devoted much of his time to writing about his practice and its benefits. His caregivers and yoga instructors were a critical part of his continued success in fighting ALS and his ability to find joy in every day. Though the disease did not define him or his life, his ability to find "hidden blessings" in his diagnosis and the positive changes that resulted from it are a testament to his strength, bravery, and resilient spirit. 

While his family and friends miss him dearly and wish we had more time with him, what he accomplished in his time on earth was incredible-not only in what he achieved but in how he loved and cared for others. His family was grateful for the ability to fulfill his final wishes and, with the help of his caregivers, support his transition. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Scott's name to The ALS Association. The family requests that those who wish to celebrate his life compose memorials to share at a celebration of life, which will take place later this year.