Father Jonathan P. Bakkelund

The Chancery received word that Reverend Jonathan P. Bakkelund died on Thursday, January 25, 2024, while under hospice care in Batavia.

Father was born on April 5, 1984, in Rockford, IL, to Gary D. Bakkelund and Pamela L. May.

Father attended Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI (2002-2006) where he received a bachelor’s degree in Theology and a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. Father attended Seminary at The Pontifical North American College, Rome (2006-2009; 2010-2011). He received his Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (STB) at the Gregorian University, Rome (2009). In 2011 Father received his Master of Divinity in Dogma at the Gregorian University, Rome. Father Bakkelund was ordained a priest by the Most Reverend Thomas G. Doran at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Rockford, on May 21, 2011.

Father’s first assignment was in 2011 as Parochial Vicar at St. Mary Parish, Huntley (2011-2015). Father taught part time at Marian Central Catholic High School, Woodstock (2011-2013). Father was assigned Associate Master of Ceremonies for the Diocese (2012-2014). Father went on to further his studies part-time at the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein (2013-2015) where he received his Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL). In 2014 Father was assigned as Diocesan Director of Divine Worship and Master of Ceremonies. Father assisted on weekends at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Crystal Lake (2015-2016). He then was assigned as Administrator at St. Peter Parish, Geneva (2016-2017). Father was assigned Pastor at St. Peter Parish, Geneva in 2017. That same year Father was assigned Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus Assembly 188.

Father is predeceased by his maternal grandparents Earl and Maxine May, his paternal grandparents Donald and June Bakkelund, and his godfather John Patrick May.

Father is survived by his parents Gary and Pamela (May) Bakkelund, his brother Geoffrey Bakkelund, his sister Theresa (Rodney) Wolf, and several uncles and cousins.

A visitation will take place Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 3:00 - 8:00 pm at St. Peter Catholic Church, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva.

Mass of Christian burial will take place Wednesday, January 31 at 11:00 am at St. Peter Catholic Church.  To livestream the mass, please click on link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfTsjP5fe4o

Burial will be held privately at Calvary Cemetery in Winnebago, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The Rockford Diocesan Priests’ Pension, Office of Charitable Giving, PO Box 7044, Rockford, Illinois 61125.

Arrangements are being completed by Malone Funeral Home, Geneva.  Call 6530-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.

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