It is with great devastation and profound heaviness and sorrow that we share that Scott Arnold Worley, 64, of Berry, Kentucky, passed away at his home in Berry on December 4th, 2023. He was deeply loved by his daughter, family, and friends.
Born on December 13th, 1958, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to William “Pa” and Joan (Quam) Worley, Scott was the fourth child and second son in his family.
Scott had many adventures and endeavors throughout his life. A longtime resident of Door County, he attended Sturgeon Bay High School where he was a highly successful member of the swim team. He went on to marry Sheri (Cocherl) Heldmann, with whom he had one child, a daughter, Kiana Mae.
Kiana was born via emergency caesarean section, and when Sheri awoke from anesthesia, Scott had already named Kiana, even though they had not known the sex of the baby nor discussed girl name options. Sheri said, “I’m glad I liked the name!” Scott lived a life that was authentic to him, making decisions and taking opportunities that many may not have understood but that highlighted his willingness to stay true to himself.
Along with parenthood, Scott embarked on many other adventures throughout his life, including becoming a certified nursing assistant. He had a deep care for the elderly and enjoyed attending nursing home visits with Kiana’s elementary school class.
Scott went on to own the Pilot House, a bar and grill in Algoma, Wisconsin, and later managed the Northport Pier Restaurant in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin. Years later, he moved from Wisconsin to Florida, and then from Florida to Kentucky.
Fishing was a hobby of Scott’s and he spent many hours on or near the water, especially Lake Michigan, Green Bay, and Krohns Lake. He liked visiting thrift stores and was always on the lookout for the next hidden treasure. He collected different items over time, including pottery, records, and books — and most recently, comic books. Scott had been working on remodeling his home and loved talking about its potential and all his plans for it. Scott loved reading and his sense of humor delighted and entertained those around him. He was also a cat-lover and found joy and fulfillment in getting to know and caring for the stray cats around his home, both in Berry and at his Florida home.
Scott could be found having deep conversations with dear friends and companions. He was a deep thinker and loved meaningful discussions. He enjoyed getting to know people and had an inherent affinity for connecting with others. He met people where they were without judgment, listened to their stories, and offered thoughtful advice with a balance of practicality and gentle compassion. He reached out and befriended those who may have felt forgotten or overlooked and allowed them to feel seen and heard.
Scott held a deep love for his family and friends. He was especially proud of his beloved daughter, Kiana, and son-in-law, Philip, and was greatly looking forward to becoming a grandpa for the first time this upcoming March.
Scott was preceded in death by his mother, Joan (Quam) Worley; his father, William “Pa” Worley; his brother, William “Willy” Worley, Jr.; his sister, Linda (Worley) Danek; and his cousin, Randy Cihlar.
He is survived by his daughter, Kiana (Worley) Driscoll and son-in-law, Philip Driscoll; his sister and brother-in-law, Cheryl (Worley) and Robert Meingast; his brother, Keith Worley; cousin, Bobby Davis; nieces and nephews; dear friends Brian Rudnicki, Jared Davidson, Tyler Lewis, Duke Lensert, and Ethan Slaby; and the many stray cats near his home for whom he loved and cared deeply.
A service will be held on Sunday, December 17th, 2023, at Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church, 323 South 5th Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, at 3:00 P.M. It will be presided over by Reverend Reeder Herrick.
Please bring your stories and memories of Scott to share. He will be laid to rest at Shiloh Memorial Cemetery next to his parents, Joanie and Pa, and siblings, Willy and Linda.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the family. A link to a GoFundMe is as follows: https://gofund.me/89a77937. Any additional funds not needed for various administration expenses, memorial costs, or related expenses will be donated to either the American Heart Association or RedRover, a charity that aims to “help animals in crisis and protect and strengthen the bond between people and animals through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance, and education,” (via www.redrover.org).
Thank you to the doctors, nurses, and other professionals in and near Berry, Cynthiana, and Lexington, KY, who worked hard to support, prolong, and save my dad’s life, and to Brian Rudnicki, Jared Davidson, and Tyler Lewis for loving my dad, taking care of him, and showing him profound kindness and companionship these last years.
