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Union Editor

Funding for the annual Gary Stout Memorial Scholarship was presented by the city of Anoka on Monday.

Pete Beberg, chairperson of Anoka’s Economic Development Commission, presented Stout’s daughter, Kimberly Sperling, with a check for $1,100. The money is the result of fund-raising efforts at the annual Business Development Day golf tournament held in September.

Stout, whose name is synonymous with development in Anoka, worked as a consultant for the city from 1984 until 1997. He was instrumental in the development of the Anoka Enterprise Park.

The scholarship fund was established in 1997 following Stout’s death after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Each year a deserving Anoka High School student receives the money, which is matched by Sperling in her father’s honor. This year that scholarship will top $2,200.

It is the biggest scholarship year ever, said Sperling.

“The only requirement is that the student have a clear and passionate goal – that’s what my dad had,” Sperling told the council on Monday.

Beberg recalled his first meeting with Stout, now 26 years ago, and the infectious passion for development he brought to the city.

“He had us all pulled together and everybody dreaming of a vision,” said Beberg. Gary gave us his passion, his training and his skills. He was teaching us and we were teaching him.”

Beberg said he still sees Stout’s lasting influence in the long-time city staff who were fortunate to work with him.

Last year’s winner of the scholarship was Krystal Levercom, who received $2,000 and is seeking a degree in accounting through the University of St. Thomas.

“Helping others was always something very important for my family,” said Sperling, who added that she was honored to be able to participate in a scholarship that continues her father’s name on in life, after death.

Mandy Moran Froemming is at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it