BATAVIA—Father Jonathan P. Bakkelund died on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, while under hospice care in Batavia. He was 39 years old.

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

He attended Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis. (2002-2006) where he received a bachelor’s degree in Theology and a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. He 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 he received his Master of Divinity in Dogma at the Gregorian University, Rome.

Father Bakkelund was ordained a priest by Bishop Thomas G. Doran at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Rockford, on May 21, 2011.

Father Bakkelund’s first
assignment was in 2011 as parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish, Huntley (2011-2015). He taught part time at Marian Central Catholic High School, Woodstock (2011-2013).

He was assigned Associate Master of Ceremonies for the Rockford Diocese (2012-2014).

He 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 (S.T.L.).

In 2014 Father Bakkelund was assigned as Diocesan Director of Divine Worship and Master of Ceremonies. He 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 Bakkelund was assigned pastor at St. Peter Parish, Geneva in 2017. That same year he was assigned chaplain for the Knights of Columbus Assembly 188.

Father Bakkelund, as director of Divine Worship, was the diocesan point person for the National Eucharistic Revival. He was the author of many columns on the topic of the Eucharist for The Observer.  He also wrote the diocesan Eucharistic Revival Prayer.

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

He 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 took place on Jan. 30, 2024, at St. Peter Parish, Geneva. His Mass of Christian burial was celebrated  Jan. 31  at 11 a.m., at St. Peter Parish, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva. Burial is in Calvary Cemetery, Winnebago.

Arrangements were completed by Malone Funeral Home, Geneva, Illinois. Memorial donations in Father Bakkelund’s name are being made to The Rockford Diocesan Priests’ Pension.