Rev. Helmut Hans Kaffine

Helmut was born in 1930 in Reading PA and raised in Philadelphia where he graduated from Central High School in 1948. He graduated from Muhlenberg College in 1953 and from the Philadelphia Lutheran Seminary in 1956. In 1955 he married Frances Runge of Kenhorst PA.

Beginning in 1956 he served six years as Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church Freemansburg PA. During that time, he guided the congregation through a major building renovation.

In 1962 he was called to St. Matthew’s Lutheran church in Bethlehem PA where he served 33 years until his retirement. During his pastorate there the original 1918 church building was totally renovated, and a new sanctuary was built and paid for.

In 1994 Helmut received the Henry Melchior Muhlenberg award presented by the Philadelphia Lutheran Seminary for outstanding pastoral leadership.

After his retirement he served for 12 years as volunteer director in the Northeastern Penna. Synod for the Hunger Appeal of the Lutheran Church in America. He also preached in various congregations of the Synod.

For 25 years he served with his wife as a volunteer for Northampton County Meals on Wheels.

He was a hiker, happy wearing boots and carrying a walking stick on the Appalachian Trail. His love of the outdoors was shared with his family. Together they camped, hiked, and back-packed. With his wife he enjoyed bicycling and canoeing. He often spoke of Frances as his “Bow paddler”.

For 30 years they made visits to their summer cabin which they built (without the benefit of power tools) in 1982 in the woods of east-central Maine.

He is survived by his wife Frances; daughter, Karen K. Holm and her husband Robert of Bend, Oregon; sister, Edith Barrett and her husband James of Jacksonville Florida; sister-in-law Gayle Darden of Lady Lake, Florida; five nephews and one niece. His son Karl, died in 2008.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 11:00AM at Blessed Trinity Lutheran Church, 1705 W. Broad St. Bethlehem where the family will receive relatives and friends from 10:00AM until the time of service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Helmut’s memory to his church, Blessed Trinity Lutheran Church, 1705 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.