Rev. John Stevens Kerr

Rev. John Stevens Kerr, 86, passed away peacefully with family by his side on November 30,

2022 in Exton, Pennsylvania. John was born on March 18, 1936, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the only

child of the late David Cessford Kerr and Connie (nee Guy) Kerr.

John grew up in Los Angeles, CA. As a young man he enjoyed photography, astronomy and

even obtained a pilot's license at age 14. He was active in Luther League activities where he

met his wife of over 60 years, the love of his life, Joanne Caroline Trygstad. He attended UCLA

and studied political science. John and Joanne married in 1959 while he was attending Pacific

Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA, where he received a Master's of Divinity

degree.

John began his 62 year-long career in ministry by starting and establishing a church, Shepherd

of the Valley in Spring Valley, California. The church building and the initial growth of the

congregation was overseen by young John while his wife, Joanne, was organist and choir

director. On the side, he began writing for religious publications. It wasn’t long before the

Lutheran Church in America noticed his talents and invited him to join their publishing

headquarters located in Philadelphia, PA. John took a leap of faith in 1966 and moved his

young family to the east coast.

John was soon promoted to Senior Editor of Youth and Leadership Resources at the Division of

Parish Services for the Lutheran Church in America. For over 20 years he developed and edited

resources for the church curriculums while also working as a supply pastor. He authored 4

books. A gifted writer, he joined Genesis Communications in the 1990’s to work on public

relations materials for various nonprofits and churches. He continued freelance work with

KenCrest and the American Bible Society. In the late 1990’s he worked to structure and

establish the role of Interim Minister for Lutheran churches who were in transition between their

full-time pastors. John became an interim minister and enjoyed over 20 active years serving

numerous congregations in the southeastern Pennsylvania area. His sense of humor and ability

to relate to people, along with his unique preaching style, was met with great appreciation from

the congregations. He was an active pastor up until his passing, having served most recently as

co-pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Norristown, PA. During this time John was also

Executive Director of Lutheran Bible Ministries and developed a lectionary series as a learning

tool for bible study.

John was an avid reader and was often surrounded by mounds of reading materials, along with

a cup of coffee. Very curious and an intellectual on many levels, he explored a variety of topics.

He had a relaxed manner and was extremely good-natured with a quirky humor. He traveled

extensively and loved to cook and try new foods. He was a loving husband, adored by his

children and became the “cool” grandpa to his grandkids whom he baptized. He was an active

citizen and community leader having served on the local Democratic Party Committee. He was

also an active member and leader at his home church for 56 years, Good Shepherd Lutheran

Church in King of Prussia, PA.

John is predeceased by his wife, Joanne. He is survived by his children, David (Claire) Kerr of

Mendham, NJ, Kirsten (Daniel) McCurdy of Downingtown, PA, Sean (Sonia Giribaldi) Kerr of

Garnet Valley, PA and 9 grandchildren, Matthew, Alissa, Valentina, Alexandra, Diana, Evan,

Gregory, Eric and Liliana.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Saturday,

December 10, from 9:30AM to 10:30AM, with a service starting at 10:30AM. Interment will be

private.

The service will also be streamed live and recorded by clicking this link

https://youtu.be/6VQfrdC6V94

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rev. John Stevens Kerr memory to

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 132 E. Valley Forge Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406.

Arrangements are by the Bacchi Funeral Home & Crematory, Ltd., Bridgeport, PA.