Jeffrey Glyn DeYoe

Jeffrey Glyn DeYoe, age 67, of Falcon Heights, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, surrounded by his family after a two-and-a-half-year battle with brain cancer. As an ordained minister, esteemed humanitarian, accomplished triathlete, cherished son, elder brother, loving husband, supportive father, and adoring grandfather, his legacy is woven into the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was born in Albany, NY, in 1956, to Bob DeYoe and Mary Ponting. He earned his undergraduate degree in philosophy from Kansas State University, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and his Doctorate in Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary.

He was an ordained minister for 42 years in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and was called to serve churches in Dwight, Kansas; Hallock, Minnesota; Spicer, Minnesota; Palm Coast, Florida; Worthington, Ohio; and Fort Myers, Florida.

For those who knew Jeff, were related to Jeff, collaborated in ministry with Jeff, participated in Montreat Youth Conferences with Jeff, traveled to Palestine with Jeff, served at Misión Peniel with Jeff, were part of a faith community with Jeff, and loved Jeff, you witnessed his embodiment of Micah 6:8: "...what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God?" Jeff was a prophetic preacher, erudite teacher, compassionate pastor, active community leader, affirming mentor to children and youth, and a fierce advocate for justice for God’s most marginalized people across the globe.

Jeff was a founding member of the Israel Palestine Mission Network (IPMN) of the PC (USA) and his passion and energy for Palestine significantly shaped the justice work and mission of the network. Leading numerous trips to Palestine with Keep Hope Alive, an initiative of the Jerusalem YMCA, Jeff personally planted hundreds of olive trees during winter visits and returned on fall trips to harvest olives in the West Bank, Palestine.

Jeff was also an avid marathon runner, cyclist, and triathlete. His dedication to athletics was evident through his participation in over 40 marathons and triathlons. Notably, he undertook the Border to Border triathlon, where he and a teammate ran, biked, and canoed from Minnesota's southern border to its northern border. His achievements in running qualified him for the Boston Marathon in 2002. In addition to his passion for sports—particularly the Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas State University Wildcats—he had a keen interest in Star Trek, Bruce Springsteen, and craft beer.

“I love you” were Jeff’s last words as his son, Aaron, and wife, Ruth, held him in love. In the final months of his life, Jeff's daily mantra of “I love yous” echoed throughout the house, expressing his true essence: a person of love. Throughout his life, Jeff bestowed upon others Christ-like love, compassion, and grace, inspiring those around him to do the same.

Jeff is survived by his mother, Mary Ponting and husband, Chuck; father, Robert DeYoe and wife, Janice; wife, Ruth DeYoe; daughter, Rev. Tina DeYoe and partner Eric; son, Aaron DeYoe and wife, Katie; granddaughter, Wynne DeYoe; brother, Bob DeYoe and wife, Lisa; brother, Peter DeYoe and wife, Laura; brother, Chris DeYoe and wife, Chantal; and many other extended family members across the US and Brazil.

The DeYoe family would like to thank family, friends, colleagues, church members, justice partners and the Mayo Clinic’s medical team who have supported Jeff throughout his life and journey through cancer.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 156 Florida Park Drive, in Palm Coast, Florida on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in his honor to the Israel Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church USA https://www.theipmn.org/