Kenneth C. Stout, M.D.

Dr. Kenneth C. Stout

Nov. 1, 1918 - July 21, 2016

BENKELMAN, Neb. -- Kenneth C. Stout was born Nov. 1, 1918, near Hollinger, in Furnas County, Neb., to Joseph Z. and Mable (Fritzer) Stout, and moved with his family to Oxford, Neb., in 1921. He attended school in Oxford and graduated from Oxford High School in 1937.

After high school, Kenneth worked two years in the community in order to finance his college education. He worked two jobs, receiving eight cents an hour as a drug store clerk and 25 cents an hour operating the movie projector at the local theater.

His pursuit of a medical degree was detoured by military service. On April 17, 1942, he was drafted into the U. S. Army Air Corp and worked in the weather service, stationed in Alaska during WWII. He was discharged on Jan. 19, 1946, and began classes at the University of Nebraska three days later.

Supported by the GI Bill and his personal savings, Kenneth enrolled year-round at the University and received both his bachelor's and medical degrees in 1952. He served his internship in Nashville, Tenn., and did a one-year surgical rotation in Winston-Salem, N.C. Kenneth returned to Nebraska, where he began a six-month medical practice in Syracuse before moving to Benkelman on Jan. 18, 1955, working with Dr. Moorhouse.

In September of 1962, Dr. Stout stared his own clinic that quickly grew into a thriving practice. He was a man of science, a man of medicine, and a physician who was always available, day or night, to care for the people in his community.

In addition to being a dedicated physician, Dr. Stout was a philanthropist and provided funding to numerous causes, including funding for the renovation and furnishing of the Kenneth C. Stout Assisted Living Center, part of the Hester Memorial Home, in Benkelman and generous donations of $4 million dollars to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, as well as a million dollar donation to Nebraska Public Television.

When Dr. Stout had time to relax, reading was one of his hobbies. He read four newspapers daily and numerous medical journals, to keep up on the latest medicine and techniques. Other hobbies were photography, weather, and building a large beautiful home in his 60s. He was a member of the Justice Masonic Lodge No. 180 AF and AM of Benkelman along with the American Legion Post No. 65.

Many doctors have come and gone over the years, but Dr. Stout was always available. He cared deeply about his community and his patients. His devotion as a health care provider touched and healed countless people throughout the area. He retired in February of 2005 after more than 53 years of service to patients in Benkelman and the surrounding area.

Dr. Stout passed away Thursday afternoon, July 21, 2016, at the Dundy County Hospital, after a long battle with pancreatitis. He was 97 years of age.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mable Stout; sisters, Maxine Wrightmire, Donna Stout, and Shirley Pond; brothers, Dean and Lloyd Stout, and an infant sister, Pauline, who died of whooping cough at an early age.

Survivors include his brother, Darrell Stout of Beaumont, Calif.; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends; Dr. Stout's "Girl Friday" and care giver for many years, Joan (Kempter) Barker Vonz; and special longtime friend, Burr Haines and wife, Donna, of Benkelman.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday morning, July 26, 2016, 10:30 a.m. (MT) at the Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman with Pastor Marcine Farmer PMA and Rev. Doug Hjelmstad officiating. Interment will follow Wednesday morning, July 27, 2016, 10:30 a.m. (CT) at the Oxford Cemetery, Oxford, Neb.

Visitation will be today July 25, 2016, 2 to 6 p.m. (MT) at the Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman.

Memorials have been established to the Dundy County Hospital, Dundy County Historical Society, the Zorn Theater, or the church of donor's choice.

Benkelman Memorial Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.