Scott Joseph Wieser was released from his wheelchair-bound life to walk, run, and dance in heaven on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at UI Health Care in Iowa City, Iowa.

A celebration of Scott’s life will be held at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service in Iowa City on Sunday, October 25, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., with a service immediately following at 3:00 p.m. Scott’s only request was that there be music from the 1970s and 1980s, stories (and jokes), and that everyone have fun. “Guys can leave their ties at home! Girls can leave their dresses at home also!”

Scott was born in Dubuque, Iowa, on October 8, 1963, to Wilfred Wieser and Dorothy (Wieser) Henry. Born with cerebral palsy, Scott spent his early years at home before attending the UI Hospital School in Iowa City and Hills & Dales in Dubuque. He later graduated from Dubuque Hempstead High School.

Known affectionately to many as “Wese,” Scott was intelligent, independent, determined, and caring. He was often quick to remind others that he did not have an intellectual disability and simply required physical assistance because of the significant physical challenges he faced. He was proud of his abilities and worked tirelessly to ensure others recognized his independence, capabilities, and right to make his own decisions.

On November 12, 1988, Scott began his adult journey with Systems Unlimited when he moved into a home on Rochester Court in Iowa City. In 2000, he and his roommates moved to High Street, where he spent the next 26 years as a beloved member of both the household and the Iowa City community.

Despite being unable to use his hands or legs, Scott demonstrated extraordinary resilience every day. At an early age, he learned to use a headstick (a curved rod with a stylus attached to a headband), to type his thoughts on a customized communication board and later on his iPad. Through this technology, Scott communicated with friends and family, sent emails, advocated for himself, performed his job, and maintained the independence he valued so highly. He also navigated the community using a chin-operated device to drive his customized wheelchair that he proudly claimed could “turn on a dime.”

Scott took tremendous pride in managing his own finances and directing the decisions that affected his daily life. He was meticulous about how his support was provided and was never afraid to speak up when something mattered to him. His strong sense of self-advocacy ensured that his voice was always heard, and he worked tirelessly to improve not only his own life but the lives of others.

One of the best examples of Scott’s determination was his effort to make his neighborhood safer and more accessible. Several years ago, he contacted the City of Iowa City to request a sidewalk connecting his home to the end of the block, allowing him and his roommates to travel safely without navigating their wheelchairs in the street. Scott prepared a written statement on his iPad and repeated it to anyone who would listen until he reached the right people. In 2024, he proudly told everyone he knew that the city had finally completed “my sidewalk.”

Scott worked for several years at Meardon, Sueppel, Downer & Hayes Law Firm before beginning employment through Employment Systems in 1988. There he found what would become his life’s work. He became a direct-hire data entry employee in 2003 and recently celebrated his 38th work anniversary. Scott took great pride in his career, his accomplishments, and the independence his work helped him achieve.

Scott loved life and embraced every opportunity to experience it fully. He enjoyed traveling, seeing new places, and trying new things, never allowing his physical disabilities to limit his adventures. Over the years, he made several trips to Las Vegas, including one just a few months ago that brought him immense joy and created memories he cherished.

Scott had been looking forward to celebrating his 63rd birthday on October 8. While it is heartbreaking that he was not able to reach that milestone, we honor him by celebrating the remarkable life he lived, the obstacles he overcame, the goals he achieved, the joy he embraced, and the lasting impact he had on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Scott will be deeply missed by his family, roommates, friends, colleagues, support staff, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His strength, determination, sense of humor, advocacy, and unwavering independence touched countless lives and left a legacy that will not be forgotten.

Please keep Scott’s family, friends, roommates, staff, and all those affected by this loss in your thoughts and prayers.

Scott is survived by his sisters and brothers: Sue (Lonnie) Cox of Canadian, Texas; Deb (Rick) Henry of Carroll, Iowa; Jan (Dennis) Dodson of Poolville, Texas; Jeff (Joan) Wieser of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Sally Culbertson of Potosi, Wisconsin; and Jay (Carla) Wieser of Dubuque, Iowa. He is also survived by his stepsisters and brothers: Linda Droessler of New York; Rod (Nancy) Henry of Dubuque; Joe (Tammy) Henry of Dubuque; Mark (Shannon) Henry of Dubuque; and Patty (Barry) Walen of Dubuque, as well as many extended relatives and friends.

Scott was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; his brother, Jerry Wieser; his sister, Linda Gammon; his stepbrother, Scott Henry; his stepsister, Sue Ruff; and his nephews Terry and Derek Wieser and Jed Henry.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Systems Unlimited in Iowa City for providing Scott with an excellent home and supporting him throughout the years. Special thanks are also extended to the staff at UI Health Care for the compassionate care and comfort they provided during the final days of his journey.

May Scott’s memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.

Rest in peace, Wese. You will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always admired for the life you lived on your own terms.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous in Monticello, Iowa.