Ronald L. Bakkelund, 73, of Rockford, IL went peacefully into the arms of His Savior, surrounded by his family in his home, Tuesday evening, February 1, 2022, after a long, courageous battle with COPD. Ron was born September 10, 1948, in Rockford, IL the son of Donald and June Bakkelund. He married Sandra Fenner on June 9, 1973 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rockford, and to this union they were blessed with three children. Papa Ron was also blessed with seven grandchildren whom he adored. Ron was baptized and confirmed at Alpine Lutheran Church in Rockford. He attended Rockford schools and graduated from East High School, and continued his education at Rock Valley College followed by Northern Illinois University where he earned his bachelor's degree and MBA. Ron served our great country in the United States Navy beginning in 1970 for two years and for six months served on the USS Blue Ridge in the South Pacific off the coast of Vietnam. Ron remained in the Naval Reserves until 1976 when he was honorably discharged. He spent his working career mainly at Sundstrand Aerospace and Auto Meter, where he made his contribution in the purchasing department as a senior buyer. Ron and Sandy attended Mt. Olive Lutheran Church for many years, but most recently made their spiritual home at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Belvidere.

Ron was a Chicago Cubs, Blackhawks, Minnesota Vikings, and Tiger Woods fan. He would have lived on the golf course if given the chance. Ron even made a hole-in-one on green #8 at Sandy Hollow Golf Course in 1985. His choice of music was always Rock and Roll, even cutting a record with his band The Komons while in high school, remembering the songs they wrote such as "Why?" and "Caught in A Trap". Another one of Ron's hobbies was woodworking. He was always very precise and liked everything to be "just so". Ron was a total "foodie;" as such he loved watching the Food Network and cooking his favorite creations of scallops or his special "Hong Kong" sauce. He also enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune every evening and looked forward to reading the "funnies" in the newspaper daily. What mattered most to Ron were his love and devotion to his family- his wife, kids and grandkids, and his love for our Lord Jesus Christ. For that we are all especially grateful.

Ron is dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his wife, Sandra; children, Holly (Dan) Reilly of Spring Hill, TN, Sarah (Tyler) Benning of Rock City, IL, Chad (Annabelle) Bakkelund of Cary, IL; grandchildren, Landon, Luke, and Logan Reilly; Asher, and Reagan Benning; Aiva, and Ivy Bakkelund; brother, Gary (Pam) Bakkelund of Machesney Park, IL; sister-in-law, Susan Lindquist of Euless, TX; and many nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his parents.

The funeral service for Ron will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 19, 2022 in Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1045 Belvidere Road, Belvidere, IL with Rev. Keith Richard officiating. The visitation will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Friday February 18, 2022 at the church. Cremation rites will be accorded following his service with private burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorials can be given in care of Ronald's family.