Edgar Stoesz: A Giant in Servant Leadership
October 27, 2025
Bridge of Hope National is honored to celebrate the life of Edgar Stoesz, a Legacy of Hope donor whose recent passing marks the continuation of his lifelong commitment to service. His estate gift will bring lasting hope to families facing homelessness.
Edgar Stoesz, who passed away on March 12, 2025, at age 95, was a global servant leader whose career spanned decades and continents. Born in Mountain Lake, Minnesota, Edgar’s plans for farm life were interrupted by the Korean War draft. In response to the war, Edgar chose a path of nonviolent service – an act that blossomed into a lifelong calling.
He served with the Mennonite Central Committee for 35 years and held leadership roles with Mennonite Indemnity, Goodville Mutual Insurance, and Menno Travel. His work touched on refugee resettlement, civil rights, world hunger, and mutual aid for missionaries. He traveled to over 70 countries, testified before Congress, and attended a reception in the Oval Office.
Edgar was a passionate board leader, chairing the boards of Bridge of Hope National, Habitat for Humanity International, Heifer International, and others. He participated in nine Habitat builds with Jimmy Carter and met Princess Diana at a Leprosy Congress reception. At Bridge of Hope, Edgar’s leadership helped shape our national expansion, and his memorable “Edgar-isms” – like “govern by buoys” and “no raw meat at the board table” – continue to guide our board culture today.
He was a mentor to many, including our CEO, Edith Yoder, and authored several books, including Doing Good Better: How to Be an Effective Board Member. For 66 years, Edgar called the hilltop in Akron home, where he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and family life.
Edgar’s legacy of generosity and vision continues to shape our future. His estate gift helped make possible the purchase of the property in Lancaster, PA, which was named in his honor as Stoesz Place – a lasting tribute to a man whose life was devoted to service, compassion and community.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gladys, with whom he shared 58 years of partnership. He is survived by his six children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and sister.
Edgar lived a life of deep faith, service and generosity. Through his estate gifts, he will continue to walk alongside families in need – offering hope that endures.
Your investment is an act of neighboring and faith. Please consider sharing your faith beyond your lifetime by including Bridge of Hope in your estate plans, which makes you a member of our Legacy of Hope Society. By saying “yes!” and including Bridge of Hope in your will, as a beneficiary for a percentage of retirement funds, with a charitable trust, or another legacy tool, you can bring hope and make all the difference for mothers and children facing homelessness.
Contact Lila Stoeckle (LilaS@bridgeofhopeinc.org) or Edith Yoder (EdithY@Bridgeofhopeinc.org) to learn more about how you can leave a legacy of hope.
