BATAVIA--Reverend Jonathan P. Bakkelund died on Thursday, January 25, 2024, while under hospice care in Batavia. He was 39 years old.
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 and sister Theresa (Rodney) Wolf, and several uncles and cousins.
A visitation will take place on Tuesday, January 30th, 2024, from 3:00-8:00 p.m., at St. Peter Parish,
Geneva. Mass of Christian burial will take place on Wednesday, January 31st at 11:00 a.m., at St. Peter Parish, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Winnebago, Illinois.
Arrangements are being completed by Malone Funeral Home, Geneva, Illinois. In lieu of flowers
memorials can be made to The Rockford Diocesan Priests’ Pension.
