Randy Stanko

Randy Stanko was born on November 3, 1957, in East Orange, New Jersey, and passed away on January 8, 2026, in Cambridge, Minnesota. He lived a life marked by deep faith, devotion to family, and an unwavering commitment to healing broken hearts.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Peter Stanko and Holdina (Strohschein) Stanko.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary (Anderson) Stanko; his brother, Gene Stanko; his sons, Jonathan (Janeth) Stanko and Stephen (Victoria) Stanko; and his cherished grandchildren, Ezekiel, Levi, Gabriella, Serenity, Samuel, and Noah, whom he adored deeply.

Randy grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where his early years were filled with a love for the outdoors and physical challenges. His childhood passions included motorcycle riding, karate, weightlifting, and arm wrestling. These interests led to notable athletic accomplishments during his high school years,

• 1973 – 3rd Place, Olympic Lifting Contest
• 1974 – 2nd Place (123 lbs), Greater Scranton YMCA 7th Annual Power Lift Contest
• 1974 – North Pocono High School Arm Wrestling Champion (123 lb class)
• 1975 – North Pocono High School Arm Wrestling Champion (132 lb class)
• 9th Place, National Junior Olympian Arm Wrestling

Randy graduated from North Pocono High School in 1975. He went on to pursue higher education with a clear calling toward helping others, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Evangel University in 1981, followed by a Master of Arts in Psychology from Pepperdine University in 1983.

His life’s work became his ministry. Randy was a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, holding licensure in California, Colorado, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and was also an Ordained Minister with the Assemblies of God. His passion for caring for hurting families began in his youth through a church bus ministry in the Scranton area, where he first recognized his calling to walk alongside those with broken hearts.

Randy lived by the principle of “Family First.” Outside of his professional and ministry life, he found joy in water sports, snow sports, music, travel, and riding his beloved Triumph Rocket motorcycle. Yet, his greatest passion remained his work as a therapist and minister—helping individuals, couples, and families heal emotionally and grow spiritually.

The impact and legacy of Randy’s life are profound. His global influence is seen in the hundreds of children, couples, and families who found healing, restoration, and a closer walk with Jesus through his counseling and ministry. His family legacy lives on through the strong men of God he raised, the strong woman of God he empowered, and his boundless, adoring love for his grandchildren.

Randy’s words often reflected his heart, humor and beliefs. Those who knew him will forever remember phrases such as:

• “What is this?”
• “Mar, was there garlic in this?”
• “Trust is earned, forgiveness is free.”
• “It’s okay to have a real feeling."
• Jesus, will take all your feelings - good, bad and the ugly, and love you unconditionally.
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A Celebration of Life Service will be held on January 17, 2026 - 1:00 PM at Maranatha Assembly of God, Forrest Lake, Minnesota.

Randy Stanko’s life was a testimony of faith, compassion, and unwavering love. Though he is no longer with us, the lives he touched and the hearts that were healed will carry his legacy forward for generations.