Jonathan Joseph Coyne

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for his life and ministry, we share that Pastor Jon Coyne was called to his eternal home on July 25, 2025.

Jon was born on February 17, 1963, in San Francisco, CA, to Jack Eugene Coyne and Inger B (nee Nielsen). He attended UC Berkeley, earning a BA in 1984, and went on to receive his Master of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1991. His vicarage year was spent at Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne.

On February 8, 1986, Jon married Karen (nee Rutherford). Together they were blessed with two children, Andrew and Kathryn.

Following his ordination on December 29, 1991, Pastor Jon faithfully served Christ Lutheran Church in Mt. Shasta, CA, and then, beginning in 1995, Bethany Lutheran Church in Menlo Park, CA, where he continued to serve until his death.

Over the years, Jon gave generously of his time and gifts in many roles within the CNH District and the wider church. Always willing to lend his expertise, energy, and ideas in service to Christ's church, he served on various committees. He served on the CNH Youth Committee, the CNH District Salary Guidelines Committee, as chair of the Golden Gate Pastoral Conference Program, and was the primary architect of the Missio Dei West Foundation. He also worked alongside LINC Bay Area to launch and help facilitate SOYL (School of Young Leaders) program, and completed various short-term tasks as assigned by the CNH District President's office. Additionally, Pastor Jon and Pastor Stewart Crown, Trinity, Palo Alto, led a team of pastors from our circuit to provide pastoral care to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Mountain View, Working with the congregation members to provide a vision that will shape their ministry going forward.

In addition to his "Day Job" as beloved Pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church there was another unique side to Jon that few people fully realized, which was his passion for the use of science and technology to serve the needs of people struggling with potentially devastating medical illnesses. Due to his own battle with cancer, he intentionally applied himself to learn as much as possible about his medical challenges. That passion led him to become a founding member of TransMed7, whose guiding motto is "A World Of Challenges, One Solution". Jon embraced the challenges and the solutions that drove TransMed7's achievements. He became Vice President of Administration and Chief of Staff, serving in that role from TransMed7's inception until his passing in July 2025. His tireless enthusiasm for service in healthcare focused on the beneficial applications of TransMed7's breakthrough technologies for patients and will continue to inspire the personnel of TransMed7 in the many years to come.

Jon had a deep love for music, youth ministry, writing, and coaching his kids' basketball teams. He was a lifelong sports enthusiast, cheering on his Golden State Warriors and Raiders. He was also passionate about the ministry opportunities surrounding the community activities for Halloween and Christmas. He especially cherished spending time with his family and friends and, when time allowed, playing a round of golf.

He is survived by his wife Karen, his son Andrew, his daughter Katie and son-in-law Eric Hawkins, and his siblings Julie, Jack, Jeff, and Kiki, along with their families.

A memorial service celebrating Jon's life and witness will be held on Saturday, September 13, at 3:00 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 1095 Cloud Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025.

Please keep the Coyne family in your prayers as they grieve, remember, and give thanks for Jon's life and legacy.

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