August 29, 1931 – December 19, 2025
By Jeff Chesemore, Kelianne Gros Louis, and Andrew Boyd
For 94 years, Stan Voth lived in this world, but he was not of this world. His life represented a man who loved his Lord and Savior, and strove to know him intimately. In his last few remaining years, he told others that he was ready to be with Jesus, the one he spent his life getting to know, and introducing to countless others.
From his earliest days his life looked different. He was born in Saigon to missionary parents based in Thailand, and at the age of 10 evacuated back to the States during World War II before the Japanese invasion. His father stayed, was captured, and placed in a prisoner of war camp. After the war, his parents returned to Thailand, and he went to Wheaton Academy, where the high schooler first learned about Young Life. He then attended Wheaton College, where he excelled in many sports, making the Illinois State Championships as a shot putter and playing football (in the era before face masks).
Unlike most of his peers who came on Young Life staff, Stan decided to wait and earn two masters: A master’s in biblical studies and then a Master of Divinity. These, of course, served him well as he answered the call to minister to high school students.
“Stan the Man” came on staff in 1960, and four years later married Marge, the love of his life. That same year, the couple received their “marching orders” from Young Life President Bill Starr. He appointed them the first Young Life staff in Michigan. The couple started the work in East Lansing, and later, Flint. Throughout these pioneering years the couple helped begin Young Life ministries around The Great Lakes State.
What kept Stan and Marge going during the early days, and throughout their long tenure with Young Life? The Lord’s faithfulness in changing kids’ lives. The couple often shared that hearing kids at camp say things like, “I’ve never felt as loved as I have here” kept them fueled for this ministry.
After eight years in Michigan the couple moved next to Rochester, New York, in 1972. For the next 16 years, Stan oversaw the work there and eventually became the Upstate regional director.
In 1988, after 28 years with Young Life, Stan retired at age 57 and started working for First Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Stan and Marge served on the local Young Life committee for over 32 years, until he was 89. Even then, they continued to volunteer through mentoring, helping with events, and praying weekly with the staff. In his last few years Stan said with a chuckle, “We love getting involved in Young Life … they can’t get rid of us! The people we have met through Young Life have truly blessed our lives. We are so thankful for the way that our staff gives of themselves to introduce the Savior to all kids!”
As for the mission to which he devoted most of his life, Stan was a fan to the end. “Christ has not been lessened in the 70 years I’ve known about Young Life. This ministry is still Christ-centered and excited about Jesus.”
Yes, Stan was bullish about Young Life, but of course, far more about Jesus. When asked in a 2020 interview what advice he’d give to current staff and volunteers, he encouraged them to “Trust Christ, because he’s promised to keep you. We are called to ‘seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things will be added to you.’ I learned this verse in vacation Bible school and memorized it from a young age, it has always reminded me that the Lord is going to take care of me. The Lord has never missed a beat in our lives.”
Andrew Boyd, a former Young Life area director in Winston-Salem and dear friends with Stan and Marge, said, “In a world that is obsessed with achieving greatness, Stan Voth pursued goodness. Throughout his life in everything he did, he never sought the spotlight, nor accolades, nor praise. His only pursuit was to know Jesus and to make him known.”
Stan is survived by Marge, his children Jim and Karin, and their families.
