Scott David Hall

Scott David Hall, 73, of Westby, Wisconsin, passed away Monday, October 19, 2026, at UW Hospital in Madison from complications following surgery, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Scott was born January 7, 1953, to David and Joyce (Schwertfeger) Hall. He graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1971 and from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1976, working three jobs to become the first person in his family to graduate from college. He committed 34 years to the Trane Company as a Sales Engineer and Sales Manager, held several patents and traveled the world. In 1976, he married Rebecca Reimers, and they had two children, Todd and Jennifer. In 1992, he married Carol Yeske.

Scott was a competitor and a leader. He coached baseball for 22 years, most of them at La Crosse Central, and to hundreds of players he was "Coach Hall." His love of baseball was always on display, starting with the Yankee hat that rarely left his head. Scott was a devoted Bronx Bomber fan who could also be caught cheering on the Brewers. And he loved attending Badger football games with his family. His grandchildren were his ultimate pride and joy. He was often their first phone call for a post-game recap or to share a special accomplishment. And it always put a huge smile on his face.

Scott gave generously. He was a dedicated Salvation Army bell ringer and made it a priority every Christmas to buy toys for children who had less. And, despite his denials, Scott loved animals. He and Carol enjoyed their life together on a hobby farm, where they cared for horses, cats, and dogs.

As a lifelong Wisconsin resident, Scott also enjoyed traveling to warm weather destinations. Italy and Hawaii were special bucket-list trips, and his love of baseball repeatedly drew him to Florida. He loved to follow the Yankees around Spring Training and visit the state’s many ballparks.

When glioblastoma came, he fought with everything he had. His story was a source of inspiration for others. He joined two clinical trials in the hope of helping people who face the same diagnosis. He believed his voice mattered: even from his hospital bed, he reminded everyone to vote. Scott also had a great sense of humor. His family credits him as the inventor of the “selfie,” always with his classic silly face.

Scott is survived by his wife, Carol; his son, Todd (Heidi) Hall, and grandsons Benjamin and Graham; his daughter, Jennifer (Jon) Cohen, and grandsons Jason and Emerson; his sister, Diane; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Steven Hall.

A memorial service will be held Monday, October 26, at 11:00 a.m. at English Lutheran Church in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The visitation will start at 10:00 a.m. A celebration of life will immediately follow at Pettibone Resort.

The family thanks Scott's care team at UW Carbone Cancer Center for giving him hope and years instead of weeks. Their expertise and compassion gifted us time and memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or the Neuro Oncology Department at UW Carbone. In Scott's memory, please consider buying a Christmas gift for someone less fortunate this year. We are certain he will be smiling down as a child opens it.