Charlie Stout

One of a kind, Charlie Stout lived life on his own terms to the beat of his own drum. Nothing less than a big, gruff teddy bear, his bark was worse than his bite and even though he was known to be gruff at times, he was more often lovable than not. A stubborn smart aleck with a quick wit, Charlie knew how to make others laugh. He was good at getting others going about something, often stirring the pot…and he enjoyed every minute of it! An intelligent man, Charlie worked hard to make a good life for those entrusted to his care. He was a man of many talents, diverse interests, abilities, and he thoroughly enjoyed his life’s work. Most importantly, his wife and family were at the very center of Charlie’s heart, and he loved them deeply. Gone yet never to be forgotten are the treasured memories he leaves behind.

At the height of the depression, Charles was born on January 3, 1930, in Middlebury, Ohio, as the second son of his parents, Howard and Helen (Zickgraf) Stout. His father was lucky enough to have a job during this time of financial uncertainty which resulted in the family moving to Northern Indiana shortly after his birth, and then again to Detroit during high school. Charlie enjoyed a childhood typical of his generation. He shared many adventures with neighborhood friends, and found his share of mischief, too. He attended local catholic schools, but did not care for school. It was an unexpected accomplishment when he went on to further his education, and became the first one in his family to graduate from college. Since he was a kid, Charlie could often be found tinkering with things. He had a way of taking things apart and loved figuring out how they worked, and could easily put them back together again. This was especially true with radios. His inquisitive nature in this regard served Charlie well throughout his life and career.

At a time when the Korean War was in full swing, Charlie went on to graduate with his bachelor’s in engineering. He was drafted to serve in the United States Army, but deferred until shortly after his college graduation. While in the military he worked with weather balloons and radar. He spent time traveling in the military and upon his honorable discharge from the service, he was glad to head back home and continue life where he left off. With his military experience and engineering prowess, Charlie soon began working for several different companies in the Detroit and Livonia area until moving to Ann Arbor to work for the University of Michigan. For the most part, during his career as an engineer Charlie worked on specialized radar systems and on projects he couldn’t exactly talk about as much of it was classified. Later, he retired from General Dynamics.

During his time at the University of Detroit, Charlie met the young woman who would forever hold his heart, Ann. Through her cousin, who was a friend of Charlie’s, the two met and began dating. While they shared much in common, they shared a particularly mutual love for classical music. As an opera singer, Ann possessed a beautiful, operatic voice that Charlie adored and appreciated. The couple was married on November 3, 1956, and before long, children came into their lives with the births of Margaret, Barbara, Charles, James, Mary Helen, and John. Through the years the family enjoyed holidays and other special occasions making numerous memories along the way. As a father, Charlie was indeed a presence in their lives. With ways all his own, he was quite good at helping his kids, and later grandkids, with their math and science homework. He had a knack for simple explanations they could easily understand of challenging topics. Sadly, his daughter, Mary Helen, passed away when she was merely 16 years old. The foundation of his family, Charlie stayed strong and helped his family remain united during these trying times.

Never fond of traveling, the trips they went on as family were often planned by his wife, Ann. She and Charlie took wonderful and memorable trips to Germany, Austria, and Scotland. He and Ann also had a shared interest in the history of the revolutionary war. Together they enjoyed periodic trips to Williamsburg, and they also liked that time period of furniture, often frequenting pottery and furniture shops seeking out treasures for their own home.

In his free time, Charlie continued his joy for tinkering, and he loved reading his engineering magazines and journals. As an engineer, Charlie was very proud of his abilities, accomplishments, and background in the field. Even when he moved into assisted living in his later years, he never missed an opportunity to share an engineering tale with those who’d listen. Not only was he good at his job, but he was also good at telling stories. Charlie enjoyed and knew the value of living in the moment. He took many drives with his wife, daughter, other family members, or even alone, through the countryside to stop and enjoy lunch in a destination town not too far away.

Charlie was also an avid hockey fan and had season tickets to University of Michigan hockey. Eventually, Charlie and Ann inherited a cottage on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada from Ann’s parents. The family spent many summer trips there creating memories and Charlie happily upgraded and remodeled the cottage on South Bay near Lake Huron. After retiring, they made it a point to visit multiple times a year for extended trips to get away.

Charlie added new dimensions to the definition of stubborn. He undeniably had his own idea of what he wanted done and how, and had his own way of getting his point across. He was a smart aleck in every sense and enjoyed expressing his opinions, especially the older he got. With his quick wit and teasing ways, he particularly enjoyed bantering with people, and he liked a good debate. Charlie did things his own way. On one occasion, he went to an Outback Steakhouse. Not having their phone number to call and order ahead, he just simply parked his car in front of the restaurant and honked his car horn until a waitress came out! When going to work he frequently wore two different bright colored socks, colorful enough you couldn’t possibly mismatch by accident, just to see if people would notice. For many years, Charlie rode his minibike to work each day as it was only a mile from home. Imagine such a big man on a tiny motorcycle, but that was Charlie because it was more economical than driving his car. Unrivaled in his ways, Charlie Stout was that rare individual who was in a class all by himself. A no-nonsense type of man, he was just as soft on the inside as he was rough on the outside. After losing his young daughter and his beloved wife, he knew well how precious life truly is.

He did not talk about it much, but his faith was important to him, attending Mass regularly until he was no longer able to drive. For the last several years of his life he struggled with failing health, but his strong faith in God helped him persevere through the trials he faced. Eternal World Television Network (EWTN), along with the cooking channel, became his favorite station, where he watched Mass nearly every day.

Charlie enjoyed the beauty around him, and the companionship he found in family. For those who knew him best, he was a devoted husband, dedicated father and grandfather, a steadfast worker, and loyal friend.

Charles Stout, age 92, of Ann Arbor, MI died on Sunday, February 13, 2022. Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Ann; daughter, Mary Helen Stout; and brother, Howard Stout. Surviving are his children: Margaret (Brian) Kaluzny, Barbara Stout, Charles (Michaelene) Stout, James (Amy) Stout, and John (Lisa) Stout; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Monday, February 21, 2022, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 W. Centre Ave., Portage, with visitation one-hour prior. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Burial will take place at 11:00 AM Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Cemetery in Brighton, MI. Please visit Charlie’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and to sign Charlie’s guest book. Memorial contributions may be directed to Catholic Charities – Diocese of Kalamazoo. Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900.