Stanley Joseph Kmet Jr.'s Obituary
It is with very deep sorrow, but joy for him, that we announce the passing of Stan Kmet on March 13, 2025. Surrounded by loving family and friends in his final moments, he was a man that carried an awesome presence and was loved tremendously by so many. Husband, Father and Grandfather, Stan lived a life rich in ministry, love, laughter, and accomplishment.
Early Life and Education
Born on June 27,1948 in Milwaukee, WI, Stan was born to Stanley Sr. and Bernice Kmet. He grew up playing sports early on. The family moved from the snow country down to Florida to help accommodate and facilitate Stan and his brothers’ athletic pursuits. He benefited from that move while ending up playing quarterback #10 in High School. Later in life, attending Northwestern University, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education/History. Following graduation at Northwestern he played Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds organizations from 1970-1974. Stan became the assistant baseball coach hired on by Jack Stallings at FSU wearing #11. During his two seasons there, he coached Pitchers while enhancing the teams earned-run averages. He was a great Pitcher with a fantastic changeup! Many years after retiring from sports, he generously shared that “changeup” with other Pitchers adding to their success. He then graduated Florida State University in 1977 where he received his Doctor of Philosophy in Economics/Education.
Career and Accomplishments
Stan was dedicated to each task before him, known for his exceptional knowledge and work in Economics. Between 1990 - 2020, he made significant contributions to communities raising over $10M for the Florida Foundation for Excellence, Florida Council on Economic Education, Suncoast Chamber and One for the Children while supervising over 200 people. He also worked with Second Harvest Food Bank and Community Cares to feed the homeless, leaving a lasting legacy through his dedication and expertise.
From 1978-84 Stan was the Director for the Florida Council on Economic Education managing eight University Centers for Economic Education raising an average of $1.5 M per year. Stan continued his professional career by becoming Director of Corporate Business Development for Grubb & Ellis of Florida, Inc., being responsible for corporate clients interested in large real estate investments throughout the Tampa Bay area.
From 1990-92 Stan became Bureau Chief for Business and Industry Services with the Florida Dept. of Education responsible for over $14M in business related and job training programs supervising over 40 people.
After that, Stan took a slight turn of venue for a couple of years when he became Executive Director for the Florida Institute for Film Education where he reported to the Board of Industry Professionals and conducted seminars on film financing/funding non-commercial film projects. This position left a passion in Stan’s heart which yoked him with a love of movie making.
By 1994 Stan had become the Executive Director for the Governor’s Council for Sustainable Florida in Tallahassee, becoming responsible for fundraising, project implementation, administration and supervision of staff. Years later when the State of Florida made the decision to faze this Council out, it became Stan’s opportunity to transition from part-time ministry to full time. Already in the making since 1995, in 1997 Stan officially founded and became President of the Holy of Holies foundation. He and his wife Marci began traveling, where to date, they have ministered to thousands of people in places like Trinidad and the Grand Turks along with multiple trips to several states such as New York, Indiana, Alabama, Georgia and throughout the state of Florida.
Unique in its structure, the ministry emerged as a three-day experience for believers and non-believers alike. The main focus was to bring in the presence of God through worship. Teaching from the Word of God to grow in the understanding of how God pre-shadowed Jesus through the structured pattern of the Tabernacle God ordered Moses to build. It is all about relationship with God. Revealed through the book of Exodus, it was God’s desire to come and dwell in the midst of the Tabernacle. God is now with us (Immanuel) as prophesied through the book of Isaiah, and fulfilled in the New Testament by His death, burial and resurrection from the dead. Now we receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit by faith. God sent His Son to prove His love for us and restore our relationship to the Father by enabling us to enter through the torn veil back into His presence. All these truths were the thread that wove and propelled the ministry. Glorifying God through worship and teaching has always been a foundational part of the three days. It is ministering to the smallest of congregations up to the largest of conferences numbering 6,000, reaching all walks of life.
Out of the Holy of Holies Ministry, Stan birthed another ministry “Radical Worship”, which brings talented musicians together from the many cities and counties surrounding Tallahassee. It is a common love for the musicians to gather for one night of worship while people can experience signs, wonders and miracles in the manifest presence of God.
Stan wrote a book to be published about Radical Worship. Some quotes from his notes:
“During our Radical Worship we have seen the glory and felt His presence. It is so freeing, so peaceful, so energizing and so fulfilling to be in His presence. As we worship, God is our portion, we taste and see that the Lord is good, as King David declared in Ps. 27: 4-5. Stand and minister to the Lord in His Name always. That is why our songs are vertical, always going up. Declare His Name. In 1 Chron. 23:5 we see King David set 4,000 musicians and singers to worship 24/7 before the Lord. Ps. 150 says, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord”.
“When I was little, 8-10 years old, I used to sneak into the second floor and set up an altar & practice being a priest ministering before the Lord. Being raised Catholic, I had memorized most of the sacrifice of the mass. Wanting to worship the Lord has been a part of me since I was a young boy in Milwaukee, WI.
He continued on, “When we started the Radical Worship in 2008, the Lord gave me a dream of – “wind”… not corrupting the purity of it. I knew that it referred to Radical Worship. The worship must be pure and by the Spirit. John Ch.4 – true worship in Spirit & Truth. Worship in the flesh is a waste of time. Worship is proclaiming who God is, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and declaring His mighty character. He is worthy, kind, gracious, compassionate, loving, great, powerful, forgiving.” End Notes.
Stan loved to dig deep into the Word of God and study as he would prepare a teaching. He was a great teacher of the Word of God and passionate about revealing the richness of what the Jewish Roots of Christianity mean to the believer. He loved sharing about the “Names of God” that are declared throughout the Word and how we have access to God’s vast attributes through them as believers. In 2024, Stan became published writing “The God You Don’t Know” Rediscovering Him Through His Names”, which is available on Amazon today.
Stan also wrote the Scripts for taped productions of the Seven Feasts of the Lord. These presently still air weekly on CBN under “One in Messiah”.
Through Stan’s heart and passion, he planted much seed during his lifetime that will live on forever. He was called and chosen to do what he did until the end. Now he can look into the eyes of Jesus and the fullness of His glory, and worship Him unabandoned throughout eternity.
Family and Personal Life
Stan is survived by his wife Marcella (Marci) Kmet, son Chuck (Jen), daughters Vanessa (Chris), Jessica (Stephen), and Natalee. Grandchildren Ella, Grayson, Maddie, Elijah, Jordyn, Aubrey, Raleigh and Jack. He was devoted to loving his spouse and children and loved being a grandfather. He always looked forward to every ‘grandpa’ visit whether it was local or traveling to visit. His favorite pastime was to go fishing with his grandchildren while always encouraging them to keep pursuing their giftings. He usually would take every opportunity to slide a pun or dad joke in wherever he could!
His favorite words to hear were, “I love you Grandpa”. A beautiful note from his grandson read, “Dear Grandpa, Through all of the memories we have had, fishing was my favorite. All the trips up to the feed store were awesome and getting to go golfing was also splendid. I just want to say thank you for all the memories and I love you. May you rest in everlasting peace and joy among God and the angels.
Reflections from his son: “Dad was subtle in his delivery of things. It could’ve been a teaching or an encouragement or an instruction, but it was subtle, even if it was powerful. He was sometimes “cheesy” but didn’t know it and didn’t care! I will always enjoy memories of fishing, sports discussions, teaching me how to throw (including the changeup) and sometimes discovering things together… usually by accident!!”
Heart to heart from Jessica: I thank the Lord for his presence in my life, and I am eternally grateful he is resting in the arms of Jesus now. Our relationship didn’t come full circle till later in life, but he was always there to state the truth to me, offer a new perspective, and quick with a joke to make me laugh. My heart is heavy with his passing, yet joyful he is no longer in pain. I love you.
Stan is also survived by his brothers Michael Kmet (Nancy) and their children and Kenneth Kmet (Teres) and their children.
Passions and Hobbies
Stan never lost his love of sports…. Go Noles! And he would still root for Northwestern! Baseball and Football were always on top while basketball always seemed to find its way onto the screen too. His love of good movies landed him on a radio show as a movie critic for about a year back in the 90’s and he never looked at movies on the big screen the same again. He watched so many bad movies that His passion to see meaningful, well made, movies inspired him to write many movie scripts that he continued to pursue funding for. He inspired those around him with his enthusiasm to bring change to the industry.
Legacy and Remembrance
Stan's legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. There will never be another Stan Kmet. He provided thought provoking insight at any given moment. He will always be remembered for his passions, kindness, unwavering spirit and determination. Making everything beautiful in its time (Eccles. 3), it was in his heart before departing this world, to speak personal blessings over each of his children right before sharing that the Lord was calling him home.
A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor on March 22, 2025, 3:00 p.m. at LifePoint Church located at 1224 Pedrick Road, Tallahassee, FL 32317, where friends and family will gather to honor and celebrate his memory and legacy. Family Receiving Line 2:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Flowers may be sent for the private graveside service by 10:00 AM to MeadowWood Cemetery, 700 Timberlane Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32312
Rest in peace now, Stan. You were loved very deeply. Your love and light will never ever be forgotten.
What’s your fondest memory of Stanley?
What’s a lesson you learned from Stanley?
Share a story where Stanley's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Stanley you’ll never forget.
How did Stanley make you smile?