Rev. Helmut Hans Kaffine, 93, died April 3, 2024. Born in Reading, he was raised in Philadelphia

He was a 1948 Central High School graduate. He was a 1953 graduate of Muhlenberg College and in 1956 of the Philadelphia Lutheran Seminary. He was the husband of Frances Runge.

He was in 1956 the six year pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, Freemansburg, where he guided the congregation through a major building renovation. He was, in 1962, called to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Bethlehem, and served for 33 years until he retired. During his pastorate, the original 1918 church building was totally renovated, and a new sanctuary was built and paid for.

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

After his retirement, he was for 12 years a volunteer director in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod for the Hunger Appeal of the Lutheran Church in America. He preached in various congregations of the Synod.

He and his wife were for 25 years volunteers for Northampton County Meals on Wheels.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Karen K. Holm and her husband Robert of Bend, Oregon; a sister, Edith Barrett and her husband James of Jacksonville, Florida; a sister-in-law, Gayle Darden of Lady Lake, Florida; five nephews; and one niece. He was predeceased by a son, Karl.

Contributions may be made to his church, Blessed Trinity Lutheran Church at Rosemont, 1705 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Arrangements were made by Cantelmi Long Funeral Home Inc., Bethlehem.