Kenneth S. Helenbolt

Kenneth Stebbins Helenbolt, 87, of Prescott, AZ, passed away Friday, October 14, 2011 of complications from a stroke.

Ken, an only child, was born July 18, 1924 to Carl and Mildred (Stebbins) Helenbolt in Medina, NY. He spent his youth in Medina, graduating from high school there in 1942. Ken enlisted in the US Army and served as a Sergeant and Surgical Tech from 1943-1946 at OReilly General Hospital, Springfield, MO. Intrigued by the honor system at the University of Virginia, Ken enrolled there in 1946, graduating with a BA in 1948 and a MD in 1952. From 1952-1953 Ken served as a surgical intern at the University of Minnesota Hospital, followed by a residency in Urology in Minneapolis from 1953-1956. While at the U of Minnesota, he met his late wife, Mary Elizabeth Lavin, whom he married on July 22, 1953. Dr. Helenbolt opened his first urology practice in Norfolk, VA in 1956. However, in 1959, he decided to live closer to his in-laws. He and Mary packed up the family and moved to Grand Forks, ND where he embarked on his 19 year career as a Urologist. He practiced alone for 10 years and for the final 9 years partnered with Dr. Conrad Doce. In 1978, Ken was named Medical Director for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of North Dakota, a position he held until 1989. In addition to his medical career, Ken served as Professor of Surgery at the University of ND Medical School and a consultant at the VA Hospitals in Fargo, ND and the Grand Forks Air Force Base. Upon retiring in 1989, Ken spent summers at a home on Ottertail Lake, MN, and winters at various southern US locations. Desiring a more permanent home, Ken moved to Prescott, AZ in 1997 where he resided until his death. Ken thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his neighbors at Antelope Hills in Prescott.

After the death of his wife, Mary, in 1984, Ken married Connie Hiney in 1985. Ken and Connie were married until her death in 2007.

Ken strongly believed in the value of education. He felt it was the one gift that you could give someone that could never be taken away. One of his proudest accomplishments was helping to establish a four year medical school at the University of North Dakota.

Kenneth was always proud of his four children - his daughters Cynthia Karg (Randal) and Jean Parm (James); and his sons: Kenneth (Kimiko) and Michael (Nancy). He also took pride in his grandchildren: Philip, Daniel and Katie Karg, Carl Parm, Kenneth (Tricia) and Kawai Helenbolt, and Cody (Chelsea), Evan, Joel, Sean (deceased) and Kyle Helenbolt.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, October 19th at AZ Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home, corner of Cortez and Carleton Sts. Prescott. A Celebration of Kenneths life will take place 1 p.m. Thursday, October 20th at St. Lukes Episcopal Church with internment to be later in Fargo, ND.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are encouraged to consider either St. Lukes Episcopal Church, 2000 Shepherds Ln, Prescott, AZ 86301, or the University of North Dakota Foundation, 3100 University Ave. Stop 8157 Grand Forks, ND 58202-8157 for the benefit of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Visit Kenneths guest book at www.ruffnerwakelin.com.
Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home assisted the family with final arrangements.