Jonathan Daniel Voss, 37, of Sheboygan, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
He was born on December 23, 1987, and adopted by Mark and Karel on March 23, 1988.
Jon graduated from Sheboygan North in 2006. He received his undergraduate degree from Lakeland College and an MBA from Indiana University.
Jon taught English and coached multiple teams to national debate championships before transitioning to education administration. He was an avid Brewers fan who enjoyed following the team, attending games, and discussing baseball stats and trivia.
Jon cherished his first home where he enjoyed gardening, feeding the birds, and using his smoker to make delicious meals for friends and family. Any opportunity he could, he went camping and hiking up north. Jon had a strong work ethic and was intelligent and witty.
Jon is survived by his parents, Mark and Karel Voss of Sheboygan; his brother, Tim Voss, and sister-in-law, Caroline Cooney of Falls Church, VA; and uncles and aunts Dale (Nancy) Voss of Kohler, Barbara Voss (Steve Ugoretz) of DeForest, and Debbie Voss of St. Nazianz; cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Nelson and Delores Voss and Richard and Janet Maas.
A service for Jon will be held on Saturday, September 20 at Reinbold Novak Funeral Home, 1535 S. 12th Street, Sheboygan. Family and friends may gather on Saturday morning from 9:30 am until the time of service at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to the Humane Society of Sheboygan County in memory of Jon’s beloved cat, Roscoe.
I'm blessed to have had Coach Jon "JVoss" Voss as my debate coach. He was so much more than a debate coach. He was a mentor, guide, and someone who believed in me when I didn't always believe in myself. His encouragement, kindness, and wisdom shaped not only how I debated, but also how I carry myself in the world. I'll always be grateful for the time I had with him. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Coach — you will be deeply missed.
Jane Brennan
September 30, 2025
Jvoss was a mentor, coach, and advocate for me. I am incredibly grateful to have been touched by his coaching and kindness.
Jane Thome
September 30, 2025
My deepest and sorrowful sympathy to you all. Jonathan was always such a nice young man with soft spoken words. To Karol who came to my co partner for haircuts big hug to you. Jonathon has now gone home to our savior. Keeping you and family in my prayers!
Susan Q Love
September 23, 2025
JVoss, you will be missed by all of those you touched in the GBS debate world. - from the many students you mentored to the parents and families who supported the team. Those students who had a chance to learn from you and to expand their critical thinking will always feel your positive influence. You will be missed. Our thoughts go out to your family and friends. The Love/Callahan family.
Hannah L Gabrielse-Maxey
September 20, 2025
I have many fond memories of Jon in AP US History class. He was incredibly kind, thoughtful, and a deep thinker. Praying for his family.
Brendan Schuler
September 20, 2025
You will be missed JVoss. You were an excellent teacher and a great influence on the GBS debate team. More importantly, you were a kind person whose humor always made everyone feel a better. Rest in peace.
Mark & Luan Leibham
September 18, 2025
We are deeply saddened by this news. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Frances Dellutri
September 18, 2025
Jon has had an important impact on the National Space Society's spUN Debate Program since it's inception eight years ago. He acted as advocate, advisor, coach, judge, and fundraiser for the program. He was quite supportive of the international program that boasted an inclusive opportunity for students from around the world to debate space policy and law with concepts that consider humanity's reach beyond Earth's confines with an eye on how those models can lead to solutions in our own backyard. Jon's willingness to guide and share his word view has deeply touched many students and professionals. My condolences to Jon's family and friends for the loss of such an remarkable young man. - Frances Dellutri, NSS Director of Education
Vishwa Charabuddi
September 17, 2025
Dear Coach Voss, you mean a lot to Johns Creek debate and the team. The times you judged me you always had a sense of humor to offer, and I will truly miss working with you.
Vishwa
Marcia Kenner
September 17, 2025
Jon (JVoss) was an incredible coach, mentor and friend to our children during their years at GBS. He unselfishly shared his time and talents with all of us - and as so many have mentioned, his wonderful sense of humor. He was a genuine, caring and talented debate coach. But overall, he was a wonderful person and he loved being around kids. We have JVoss to thank for the encouragement and knowledge he shared with them and for shaping our kids into the dedicated scholars and critical thinkers they became. We will always remember him fondly. May you rest in peace, JVoss! Sending his family our prayers and love, the Kenners
David Henning
September 17, 2025
Jon’s death stunned me. Jon was so many things—friend, coach, debater, and role model. Jon’s dedication to his students was boundless, and his talent at coaching and researching was unparalleled. Working with Jon at a couple of debate institutes and travelling with him to tournaments turned a professional relationship into a friendship. Jon knew that humor was important in debate and life, and that a knowledge of professional wrestling is a good and useful thing. Some of my times with Jon are among the best in my life, and I am saddened that there will be no more. The world lost a good person, and I lost a good friend.
Barbara J Strawn
September 17, 2025
Jon had so much to share with the world. His short life brought joy, hope, and courage to so many. We are grateful to have had him in our lives.
With heartfelt prayers,
The Strawns
Sara Sanchez
September 16, 2025
Jon was a wonderful colleague and a dedicated debate coach. Whether we were arguing about the latest policy topic or Cubs and Brewers baseball, it was always an enlightening conversation. I'm glad so many of my students got an opportunity to learn from him as a judge and grateful for the time we got to work together. I'm sending everyone who knew him love, prayers and care.
Tammy Wallhausser (Badura)
September 16, 2025
Jon was a stand up person, and I am glad I was able to grow up with him in Sheboygan. I will cherish the memories I have with him. Although we lost touch over the years, it sounds like he continued to positively impact many lives. Gone too soon is an understatement.
Marina Markovic
September 16, 2025
Voss was an amazing coach and friend who loved to share the world of debate. He was such a smiley and kind soul - we miss you Voss!
Tijana Radovanovic (Markovic)
September 16, 2025
Sending my deepest condolences to all those who are family and friends of Jon. He was such a kind soul. When I think back to my high school days, my debate team memories are the fondest. JVoss made GBS debate such a welcoming community and always helped anyone who ever needed a hand. May he rest in peace and may his memory be eternal❤️
Maja Pejic (Markovic)
September 16, 2025
Memory eternal. Such a special kind funny soul. Was blessed to have him as a debate coach during High School. JVoss helped to positively influence many of my crucial developmental years. Thank you for all the fun memories and for pushing me to do my best and to reach even farther.
Janet M Cooney
September 16, 2025
Tim—I am so sad to hear about your brothers death. Losing him must be really hard to deal with. My prayers will include both of you.
Brent Mitchell
September 16, 2025
Jon “Jvoss” Voss was an incredible educator, a fantastic coach, and an even better friend. I have him to thank for the success I found in high school debate and beyond. He will be deeply missed, and the impact he had on his students will never be forgotten. We love you Jvoss.
Joseph Carver
September 16, 2025
Jon was a kind and dedicated educator. Countless students have him to thank for advancing both their understanding of the world and their compassion for those who inhabit it. You’ll be missed,Jon.
Linda Oddo
September 16, 2025
John's work in the debate community impacted the lives of many individuals. He was an insightful, caring person who was always there helping and providing guidance to his students, colleagues, and friends.
I will remember John's smile and easy going nature. He will be truly missed!
Matt Cekanor
September 15, 2025
Jon, you are dearly missed. Myself and the people that I hold most dear in my life would not be the same if we hadn’t known you. Like you did for the hundreds of students that you impacted, you welcomed us into the activity that meant so much to you and has become the same for us. You provided us a template for how to dedicate ourselves to doing whatever it took to help each other without questioning what would be asked of us in return. Your wit shortened long van rides and even longer debate seasons and you taught us that a little levity can lighten the heaviest of loads. When that seat at Il Rit on your birthday or in the back of the room in a post round with your students looks a little too empty, I know I’ll be able to find you in those that we both hold close. Catch you soon, big man.
Brixz Gonzaba
September 15, 2025
A core part of my debate experience WAS Jon Voss! Being judged by him, debating his strategies and coaching against him every weekend was so essential in how I developed as a debater and coach.
It was pure joy to kill his joy and I know he was happy when his teams beat me/mine!!
From pushing him to vote for our shenanigans to cussing him out in hallways after what we thought were bad decisions we were essentially business associates. During breaks we’d sneak off campuses for the occasional chill conversations. He was an awesome rival and a great friend who supported my music. We were just talking like a couple months ago… it’s wild to get the news so sudden.
Tyler Thur
September 15, 2025
I'll miss you so much, Voss. Thanks for helping me find my identity as a debate coach and for always being there as a friend. You loved people and put good energy out into the world. 12/23 will always be blocked off in my calendar for the Sheboygan birthday party.
Eric M Oddo
September 15, 2025
Jon was an intelligent, kind, and caring person who will be deeply missed. I will always treasure our time together at baseball games, camping trips, and working side by side in the debate community, especially our summers in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan debate camp. I was fortunate to have Jon in my life, and I know he made a lasting impact on so many students.
Maggie Berthiaume
September 15, 2025
What a tremendous loss. Jon was loved by so many in the debate community. He leaves a legacy of hundreds of students who are better scholars and people because they knew Jon. I’ll cherish our times talking about debate, the Brewers, and the many bands we both enjoyed. Miss you, friend.
