“Our beloved Fr. Bakkelund passed away early this morning.”
Father John McFadden announced the death of the pastor at Geneva’s St. Peter Catholic Church, Father Jonathan Bakkelund, in a message to parishioners today.
“Fr. Jared Twenty was with him when he passed from this life to God. May he rest in God’s peace. Once we have more information on the funeral arrangements we will share them with you.”
The 39-year-old priest had been moved to hospice as a result of health issues related to alcohol only recently.
Bakkelund was ordained a priest by Bishop Thomas Doran in 2011. His first assignment as a newly ordained priest was at Saint Mary’s in Huntley, where he was remembered today.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Fr. Jonathon Bakkelund, Pastor of St. Peter in Geneva (and parochial vicar here at St Mary from 2011-2015) has passed away this morning,” wrote Fr. Christopher DiTomo, pastor of St. Mary. “The priests of the Diocese have just received notification from the Chancery.”
Father Bakkelund has also served at St. Thomas the Apostle in Crystal Lake, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Crystal Lake, and as a student priest studying Liturgy at Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein. Father Bakkelund is the Diocesan Master of Ceremonies for Bishop Malloy and the Director of the Office of Divine Worship.
“I love serving as a priest in Saint Peter School. This is truly a great community!”
A Rosary will be said for Fr. Bakkelund at St. Peter’s tonight from 7 to 8 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
