Posts by Father Neil Bakker
Funeral Notice: RoseMary Hartman
 

RoseMary (Mechtel) Hartman, at the age of 86, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, in Jordan.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with a time of gathering from 9:00 – 10:45 AM, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (313 East Second Street) in Jordan. Father Neil Bakker will preside. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Jordan. All donations made in memory of RoseMary will be directed to the Catholic Church.

Rose was born to Leonard and Regina (Theis) Mechtel on July 1, 1938. She was raised on the family farm in Marystown, Minnesota, alongside her seven brothers and sisters. As the youngest, she cherished tagging along with her older sister. Rose attended Marystown Catholic School in Marystown, Minnesota, through the 8th grade. She went on to work on the family farm. Along with helping on the farm, she was introduced to and enjoyed cooking and baking with her sisters.

Rose met the love of her life, Vernon Hartman, at her brother Jan’s raspberry patch in 1955 and married two years later in 1957 at St. Mary’s Church of Purification in Marystown. In 1958, they started their family which grew to six children, Don, Anna, Corinne, Donna, Kevin, and Keith. She held multiple jobs, RedOwl, St. John’s Catholic Church, the US Post Office, cleaning service, a Para at Chaska Schools, and MVEC, all while raising her family, doing day care, and managing to study for and receiving her GED.

Rose’s commitment to our Lord and her dedication to raise her children in the Christian faith, was primary in her life. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were above and beyond the most cherished, and her face would light up whenever she spent time with them.

She had many friends and family members who would stop by to visit, and they would ask for a tour of her flower gardens, which filled her backyard and would be in awe of the beauty of all the different varieties. Rose enjoyed spending time with her friends, playing cards (sheepshead & euchre), having coffee at McDonalds and participating in Women’s Catholic Aid events.

Rose had many passions including gardening, cooking / baking, and of course, spending time with her family.

She is survived by her loving children, Don (Nancy) Hartman, Anna Unger, Corinne Montgomery, Donna (fiancé, Mike Johnson) Hartman-Erickson, Kevin (Tammy) Hartman, Keith (Lynda) Hartman; grandchildren, Rachel (Joel) Myers, Meghann (Nate) Peterson, Lauren (Lucas) Beyer, David (Hannah) Hartman, Erica (fiancé, Rob Lee) Unger, Stephanie Unger, Greg (Mary) Montgomery, Rick Montgomery, Ashley (Josh) Malz, Brian (Courtney) Hartman, Josh Hartman, Jeffrey Hartman; great-grandchildren, Winnik and Emeric Montgomery, Luella Peterson, Aiden Malz, Levi Peterson, Lenora Hartman, Caleb Hartman, Cadance Myers, Addison Malz, Audrey Hartman, Rhema Myers, Leland Beyer, Lawson Beyer, Winona Hartman; sister-in-law, Carol Mechtel; other relatives and friends. 

RoseMary was preceded in death by her husband Vern, her parents, Leonard and Regina Mechtel; siblings, Arvilla (Harlan) Liebhard, Jan (Mary Ann) Mechtel, Richard "Chick" Mechtel, Myron (Beatrice) Mechtel; Joan (Paul) Plekkenpol, Myrtle (Marvin) Williams, and Verena (Dean) Smith. 

 
Funeral Notice: Judy Tuma
 

Judy (Sirek) Tuma, age 79, of Jordan, MN, passed away on December 22, 2024.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 - 6:00 PM on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 104 1st St W, Jordan, MN 55352. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM with additional visitation time from 10:00 - 11:00 AM on Friday, January 3, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 313 2nd St E, Jordan, MN 55352. Father Neil Bakker will preside. Urn bearer will be Rowan Sprecher. Interment Hazelwood Cemetery in Northfield, MN.

Judith Ann, the daughter of Robert and Elsie Sirek, was born on December 17th, 1945. Judy grew up on a farm in rural Webster and graduated from Northfield High School, class of 1963. Judy married James Tuma (she always called him Jimmy) on September 12, 1964. Judy worked different jobs in the clerical field. Judy loved to sew, knit, and crochet until they moved to Jordan, MN. Judy found hand quilting, which was her passion.

Judy is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jim; children, Diane (Mike) LaRoche, Lynda (Keith) Hartman, Daniel Tuma, and Monica (Jerry) Kornder; grandchildren, Stephanie (Andy) Staszewski, Katie and Hannah LaRoche, Josh and Jeff Hartman, Rowan Sprecher, Andy, Robert, and Ben Kornder; great granddaughters, Rory, Abbie, and Ellie; siblings, Ronald (Joan) Sirek and Loran (Rosewitha) Sirek; and other loving family and friends.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Elsie; brother, Gene Sirek; and sister, JoAnn Meinke.

 
Funeral Notice: MaryAnn Elizabeth Klehr
 

On Friday, December 20, 2024, MaryAnn Elizabeth Klehr passed away peacefully at the age of 76, surrounded by her family. A dedicated and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, godmother, friend, and most importantly, a child of God!

A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 26, 2024, from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 104 West First Street West, Jordan, and on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 10-10:45 am, with a Mass of Christian Burial, at 11 am, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 313 Second Street East, Jordan. Fr. Neil Bakker will preside. MaryAnn will be laid to rest at St. John Calvary Cemetery.

MaryAnn was born on March 14, 1948, to Joseph and Louise Treml and grew up on a farm near Clements, Minnesota, where she developed a strong work ethic and a deep love for her family.

After graduating from high school, MaryAnn moved to Minneapolis and began working as a corporate secretary. She met her husband, Tom Klehr, at a dance at the Waconia Ballroom. They fell in love and were married two years later, on June 12, 1971.

Together, MaryAnn and Tom built a beautiful life, raising three children, Bruce, Denise, and Chad. She was a devoted stay-at-home mom, who poured her heart into creating a warm and loving home. MaryAnn also served as the bookkeeper for Klehr Construction, the family business her husband and his brother founded, for 23 years.

As her children grew older, MaryAnn began working as a librarian for St. John’s Catholic School and later as a media specialist at Shakopee Junior High, roles that reflected her passion for learning and her commitment to community. MaryAnn also worked for the Jordan Independent newspaper and briefly as a flight attendant, showcasing her versatility and adventurous spirit.

In addition to her career, MaryAnn had many hobbies, including baking, quilting, crocheting, and traveling. She was an active member of her church, St. John the Baptist. MaryAnn’s faith and love for Jesus were cornerstones of her life.

MaryAnn’s family was her greatest treasure. She adored her eight grandchildren and will be remembered for the love and joy she brought to everyone around her.

MaryAnn is survived by her husband of 53 years, Thomas Klehr; children, Bruce (Nicki) Klehr, Denise (Steve) Sachs, and Chad (Susie) Klehr; grandchildren, Kelly, Tristan, Audrey, Shawn, Jake, Adam, Noah, and Madelyn; sister, Elaine (Arlan) Williams; brother, Dennis (Barb) Treml; brother-in-law, Marc Frana; sister-in-law, Janice Treml; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

MaryAnn was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Louise Treml; her in-laws, Mathias and Josephine Klehr; sister, Monica Frana; brother, Ronald Treml; and godson, Monty Frana.

 
Funeral Notice: Patricia “Pat” Ann Clayton,
 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia “Pat” Ann Clayton, a devoted mother, grandmother and cherished friend, who passed away peacefully on December 4, 2024 at the age of 76.

Pat was born on July 24, 1948 in Shakopee, MN to Albert & Lucille Karl, and her life was a testament to love, resilience, and boundless generosity. She married Steve Clayton on June 18, 1966, and together they built a family rooted in warmth and unwavering support.

Pat was a devoted mother and grandmother. She is survived by her children, Chris (Rick) Schroers, Stephanie (Duane) Ebert, Dave Clayton, and Dan Clayton; grandchildren, Brittney (Phil) Lafontaine, Emily Clayton, Parker Ebert, Olivia Carroll, Owen Clayton, and Wren Clayton; great-grandchildren, Evelyn and August Lafontaine, Cassian Carroll; sister, Joan (Ray) Busch; and many nieces & nephews. Her loving family now carries forward her legacy of kindness, humor, and a deep appreciation for life’s simple joys. Whether she was baking, gardening or enjoying time at the cabin, Pat brought light and laughter to every room she entered.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Clayton; parents, Albert & Lucille Karl; brother, James Karl.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM, with a time of gathering from 10-10:50 AM, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (313 East Second Street) in Jordan. Father Neil Bakker will preside. Pat will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to join us in honoring the remarkable life of a woman who loved unconditionally and gave selflessly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Pat, you will be forever missed but never forgotten. Your love and light will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved you.

 
Funeral Notice: Mary Kathryn Johnson
 

Mary Kathryn Johnson of Jordan, passed away peacefully at home after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer October 31, 2024, at the age of 77. Mary was as wonderful woman with a bright personality. She will be missed by her loving family, friends and all who knew her.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday November 6, 2024 at 11:00 AM with time of gathering prior from 9:15 – 10:45 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic in Jordan. The praying of the Rosary will commence prior, at 9:00 am. A luncheon at the church will immediately start after mass, followed by 2:30 PM burial at Lakewood Cemetery (3600 Hennipen Ave) in Minneapolis. A social gathering, storytelling and pints will take place 5:30 pm Club New Yorker, Green Isle.

 Mary was born on May 8, 1947 in Glencoe, MN to Francis and Kathryn (Bailey) Bigaouette. She attended elementary school in Green Isle and graduated from Arlington-Green Isle High School. She worked at Marquette Bank in Minneapolis, Honeywell, Rosemount Engineering, Quantum Controls and Johnson Trucking. She married the love of her life, Robert Johnson in 1978 and eventually bought a hobby farm in Jordan, MN. Her interest and hobbies included spending time on her treadmill, shopping, carting around grandkids, researching conspiracy theories, and attending mass for all holy days of obligation.

Mary was extremely proud of her Irish heritage, known as the family historian, a Trump Supporter, and devoted Catholic. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Geralyn “Geri” (Kenny) Vanderlinde, Katie Bratz; son-in-law, Jamie Bratz; sister/cousin, Cheryl (Brent Johnson) Fritz; grandchildren, Ryan (Courtney) Vanderlinde, Melanie (Chris) Stifter, Morgan (Mitch Litzau) Vanderlinde, Tyler (Monica) Wasieleski, Carmen Bratz, Addie Bratz, Cody Bratz; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Max Vanderlinde, Evelyn Turbes, Levi and Lucas Stifter, Aurora Wasieleski; siblings, Dennis Bigaouette, Betty Pederson, Sharon (Gary) Lauwagie, Francis (Wendy) Bigaouette, Theresa (Joe) Young, sisters-in-law Beverly Johnson, Joan (John) Berthiaume, Barb (Gene) Mace, Nancy Johnson, Jennifer McLaughlin. Also survived by, Aunt JoDell Battcher, nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends. 

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert Johnson; parents, Francis and Kathryn Bigaouette; parents-in-law, Ellsworth and Lucille Johnson; step-brother, Bob Dahl; niece, Sarah Bigaouette; step-mother, Florence Dahl Bigaouette; brother-in-law, Gene Pedersen; sister-in-law Patrica Bigaouette.

A special to thank you Max Wrase, Mary Norwick, Laureen Picha, Cheryl Fritz, Holly Hanson, AccentCare, Legacy Homecare and many others everyone who in so many ways have remembered and helped us through this difficult time. 

 
Funeral Notice: Richard Von Bank
 

Richard J. Von Bank, age 93, of New Prague, MN and formerly of Jordan, MN, entered eternal life on Sunday, October 27, 2024. 

A time of gathering will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 4-7 pm at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 104 West First Street, Jordan and on Thursday, October 31, from 10-10:45 am, followed by a Funeral Mass, at 11 am, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 313 East Second Street, Jordan. 

*Please note that daily Mass and confessions are cancelled, please attend the funeral Mass in lieu of daily Mass.

 
Funeral Notice: Joan Theresa Fuhrman
 

Joan Theresa Fuhrman, aged 92, of Jordan, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 2, 2024.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11AM on Friday, October 11, 2024 with a Time of Gathering from 9:30-10:45AM prior, all at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 313 2nd Street East, Jordan. Father Neil Bakker will preside with Father Kevin Clinton concelebrating.

Joan will be laid to rest next to her husband at Spirit Hill Cemetery.

Joan was born November 5, 1931, to Mathias and Anna Kraemer of Parkers Prairie, MN. Joan was a gentle soul whose close relationship with God guided her daily living. Her life was defined by love for all, especially her deep love for her family.

Joan attended Parkers Prairie High School where she graduated salutatorian. She then went on to attend St. Mary’s in Minneapolis where she graduated as a Registered Nurse. Her first assignment was to work at St. Mary’s Hospital in newborn care. As a lover of babies, she often said this was her all-time favorite assignment. Joan then went on to the VA Hospital in Minneapolis where she met the love of her life, Ray Fuhrman, through a mutual nurse friend. They were married in 1955 and had seven children.

Joan and Ray moved their growing family several times because of Ray’s sales occupation. They settled in Jordan, MN, Ray’s hometown, in 1972. Joan continued on as a Registered Nurse at Mala Strana nursing home in New Prague for 19 years. She had an innate ability and amazing energy to juggle the many demands of taking care of her family along with exhausting shifts at the nursing home. She was an active member of St. John’s parish in Jordan for 52 years. There she volunteered in many roles which in later years included the prayer line. Joan was always a prayer warrior for all who needed prayers.

Joan retired at the age of 60 and cherished time with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joan and Ray spent 24 years as Texas snowbirds and enjoyed time with family and friends who joined them. While in Texas, Joan volunteered as a tutor to teach young immigrant children English. Joan and Ray also enjoyed many summers on Lake Ida where they had a mobile home. They also served Meals on Wheels, through their mid-80’s, to the homebound in the Jordan area.

Her special hugs and kisses, singing of “ditties”, family nicknames and apple-bitties will be forever missed.

Joan is forever remembered by her children, Mark (Jeanne) Fuhrman, Terri (Jim) Grider, Paul (Melissa) Fuhrman, David Fuhrman, Jean (Pete) Busch, Nancy (Kip) Kemper, Florence (Tom) Hansen; grandchildren, John, Angela (Cory), Dan (Cheryl), Rick (Stephanie), Meagan, William, Jacob, Sam, Joan, Stephen, Michael (Alexandra), Noah, Lauren (Brandon), Joe, Ben, Ryan, Grace, and Abbey; great-grandchildren, Hadley, Lucas, Noah, Landon, Mikala, Becca, Caleb, Vincent, Justin, Matthias, Eli, and Emma; and other loving family and friends.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband, Ray; parents Matt and Ann Kraemer; brothers, Ray (Ethel), George (Lois), Ralph (Audrie); sisters, Evelyn Kraemer, Ethel (Tony) Comas, Florence (Luther) Rodvik.

 
Letter from Fr Neil on 5pm Saturday Anticipatory Mass Versus Populum
 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I have some news to share with you.  In consultation with the Saint John’s Parish Pastoral Council and Archbishop Hebda, we will be changing the weekly 5:00 pm Saturday evening anticipatory Mass to be versus populum.  The portable mensa will be used at this Mass.  This will begin on Sunday, December 1, 2024, the first Sunday of Advent.  The 8:00 am and 10:00 am Masses will not change and will remain ad orientem.

As we approach the ineffable Sacred Mysteries that have been handed down to us to be preserved and expressed with great care, we will continue to strive to adhere to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, endeavoring to fulfill the Council Father’s desire that “the use of the Latin language is to be preserved in the Latin rites,” taking steps “so that the faithful may also be able to say or to sing together in Latin those parts of the Ordinary of the Mass which pertain to them.” (Second Vatican Council: Sacrosanctum Concilium 36, 54) Our use of Latin responses has been generally restricted to the Sanctus, Angus Dei, the distribution of Holy Communion, and on rare occasions, the Gloria when the missa de angelis mass setting is taken up on higher Solemnities.  In Ordinary Time since Pentecost this year, the only time you currently hear Latin at the Mass is at the distribution of Communion: the words Corpus Christi.  

We will also continue at all Masses to to hold the Pipe Organ in the highest esteem, “for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church’s ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man’s mind to God and to higher things.” (Second Vatican Council: Sacrosanctum Concilium 120)  The 5:00 pm Saturday evening anticipatory Mass will continue to have fewer chanted/sung parts (such as the Creed and the Our Father prayer).  As has been the practice for the past few years, the 8:00 am will have more chanted/sung parts, and the 10:00 am Mass will be almost entirely chanted/sung.

In addition, at all Masses, kneelers will remain in place at the front of the sanctuary to provide the option for those who wish to kneel to receive Holy Communion.  Be reassured that it is, and always has been an optional practice.  It is in no way obligatory to kneel when receiving Holy Communion, just as it is optional (and not obligatory) to receive communion in the hand rather than on the tongue.

Our collective hope is that we will grow in unity before the Lord Jesus Christ, who draws all things to Himself and desires us to find peace, mercy, and accord as His Body.

In Christ through Mary,

Father Neil




 
Father Neil Bakker
Funeral Notice: Samuel "Sam" Colling
 

Samuel "Sam" Colling

Samuel "Sam" Colling, aged 71, of Jordan, passed away at his home on September 18, 2024.

A Time of Gathering will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 from 4-7PM, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 104 1st St. W, Jordan. A Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 11AM, with a Time of Gathering from 9:30-11AM, all at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 313 Second Street E, Jordan. Father Neil Bakker Presiding. 

Sam will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery.

Sam was born on August 17, 1953. He was the youngest of nine children born to George and Genevieve. He grew up on the Colling family farm and was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. He graduated in 1971 from Jordan High School where he was involved in choir, class plays, student council, and was school president. After high school Sam attended Mankato State College where he graduated with a major in business and sociology. 

Sam spent his entire career working in the grocery industry, making connections wherever he went. He served as a volunteer firefighter on the Jordan Fire Department for 30 years from 1979-2009 and was Secretary/Treasurer for many of them. In retirement Sam enjoyed helping out at various grocery stores and driving his school bus route. 

Sam seemed to know everyone everywhere he went, in Jordan and beyond, and was a friend to all. His grandkids were his pride and joy and he attended every activity of theirs that he possibly could. Sam’s favorite places to visit were New York City and Lake Edwards. He enjoyed cooking and baking; especially hosting Sunday night dinners for his family. He loved carrying on Colling family traditions, following wrestling and baseball, watching Andy Griffith reruns, and polka music. He was even a local star on KCHK Radio singing his favorite German song, “Schnitzelback”!

Sam will be greatly missed by his wife of 47 years, Sandy; children, Rhianon (Casey), Rebecca, Matthew (Erica); grandchildren, Nikko, Amelia, Theo, Marlo; brothers, Al, George (Kathy), Jim (Cathy), Mike (Sheila), Paul (Donna); sister, Judy; brother-in-law, John; many nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends, and furry friends Lily and Lulah.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Genevieve; brother, Francis (Harriet); sister, Mary; and brother-in-law, Earl.

 
Funeral Notice: Judith "Judy" Menke
 

Judith "Judy" Menke

Judy Menke, age 83, of Jordan, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 11, 2024. If there is one word to describe Judy, it would be love.

A Time of Gathering will be held from 4-6 PM on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 104 1st St. W, Jordan. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM with a Time of Gathering from 10-10:45 AM, on Thursday, September 19, 2024, all at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 313 Second Street E, Jordan. Father Neil Bakker will preside. Judy will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Jordan. 

Judith Helen was born on August 21, 1941, to Alois and Helen (Malecha) Zelenka in New Prague, MN on a 110-acre family farm southeast of New Prague. She was the second oldest of four children; two sisters and one brother. Her mother unexpectedly passed away in 1962, and she was later blessed to gain a stepmother and stepsiblings after her father remarried.

Judy graduated from New Prague High School in 1959. She met the love of her life, Peter Menke, at a dance at the Park Ballroom. They were united in marriage on June 3, 1961, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague and started their family. Together, they were blessed with five children. Judy very quickly became an astute homemaker and took to baking, canning, cooking, and she always kept the laundry ironed and perfectly folded. She enjoyed various jobs throughout her life such as selling gloves, working in a dental office, housekeeping, and being the favorite lunch lady at an elementary school. However, her main occupation was always caring for her children and her home, and she did an outstanding job. Judy was well loved by everyone who knew her and her grandchildren are her biggest fans of all. Nobody could beat the love Judy provided those around her. She was always smiling and her fun humor was infectious to those who were fortunate enough to know her. 

Judy’s true passion in life was hosting and baking. She loved Christmas and having her entire family over for big gatherings. She always had extravagant holiday dishes ready to share, with rhubarb dessert, apple slices, sugar cookies, nut rolls, Hershey Kiss cookies, and an assortment of pies. Her amazing cooking often led to recipe requests, but the end results were difficult to duplicate since hers often contained an extra secret helping of butter or sugar. Her “healthy” snack she liked to provide was strawberries...with a bowl of sugar to dip them in. Judy’s way of showing her love was with food. Once a family member moved away, it wasn’t uncommon for them to receive a gift package from her with fresh baked treats and goodies. Later in life, Judy was blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she continued to do her best to spoil every one of them. She gave the best gift of all, the gift of time. Judy loved to garden and had a wealth of raspberries, tomatoes, and strawberries to can and put into her baking. She enjoyed being outdoors and always fed the barn cats the scraps that were left from dinner on cold winter days. 

Later in life, Judy and Pete enjoyed life together by traveling. They visited Las Vegas and liked making road trips down to Diamond Joe’s across the Minnesota border with friends. Judy was an avid reader and enjoyed puzzles, wordfinders, and was diligent with her crosswords. She enjoyed them all and was known to wear out her dictionaries. Judy was a devoted member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church for over 60 years, and she held deep faith.

Judy was the ultimate caretaker and loved her family more than anything. She will be greatly missed by her children, Jeff (Dina) Menke, Sharon (Terry) Kraling, Steve (Nancy) Menke, and Kevin (Jane) Menke; grandchildren, Derek Menke, Lindsay (Jeff) Sweazey, Mackensie (Gordon) Kappers, Ali Berens, Abby (Jesse) Longley, Miranda (Johnny) Darling, Olivia Menke, Jack Menke, Brian Menke, and Grace Menke; great grandchildren, Lola, Stella, Noa, Addison, Henrik, and Isak; sisters, Jane Malecha, Eileen Glasspoole; step-siblings, Ronnie (Loretta) Tuma and Jeanie O'Neil; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Judy in death is with her husband, Pete; son, Larry; granddaughter, Audrey Menke; parents, Alois and Helen Zelenka; brother, Ronald Zelenka; brothers-in-law, Donald Malecha and David Glasspoole; and step-brother-in-law, Jerry O'Neil.

 
2024 Fall Festival
 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 - Rock the Lot Concert

Corner of Broadway & Second Street

Gates open: 6:00pm
Music: 7:30-10:30pm
Admission: Free

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2024 - Festival

Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: 313 2nd. Street E., Jordan MN 55352

Raffles, Pull Tabs, Food, and Beer!

JACKPOT RAFFLE PRIZES - Tickets are $100 each (Sponsored by the Jordan Knights of Columbus Council # 3759)

  • Grand Prize - $5,000

  • 2nd Prize - $3,000

  • 3rd Prize - $2,000

50/50 RAFFLE

  • Win half the pot!

  • All Day 50/50 Raffle Tickets are $10 each.

  • Hourly 50/50 Raffle Tickets will only be available at the festival, $2 each.

MEAT RAFFLE CHOICES

  • There will be 3 different meat raffles valued at $100, tickets are $5 each!

  • One meat raffle will be valued at $200, tickets are $10 each!

CART OF GOODIES RAFFLE - Tickets are only $2 each!

  • Win a wheelbarrow full of Liquor! (must be 21 or older to win)

  • Win a cart of Kid Toys and Treats! (must be 18 or older to win)

RAFFLE BOOK PRIZES - Tickets are $3 each - Around $3,000 in prizes!

 
Father Neil Bakker
Mass Time Changes beginning September 3, 2024
 

Dear Saint John's Parish,

When we sat down this spring to plan out the parish and school schedule for the coming school year, we had to incorporate a change in Mass time to best accommodate our learning environment. Children learn best first thing in the morning and we deeply desired to make sure their first hours of the school day were spent in the classroom. For our elementary school-aged kids, this means a lot of reading and writing, and for middle school math. To accommodate this, we are moving our Daily Mass time for the parish & school to 10:00 am each day on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. These changes take effect on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

Please see the new schedule below. We will continue to reevaluate this new schedule as the year goes on and may adjust as needed. If further adjustments are needed, we will certainly let you all know. Thank you for your flexibility!

In Christ,

Father Neil

Pastor

 
Father Neil Bakker
2024 Epiphany Concert with Mirandola
 

Jenny Ubl - sporano
Alyssa Anderson, alto & percussion
Nick Chalmers, Artistic Direcctory & tenor
Nathan Romportl, tenor
Andrew Kane, baritone
Bruce Jacobs, keyboard

Sunday, January 7, 2024 | 2:00 pm

Angelus ad Vriginem
Medieval Carol
Ave Maria
Sergei Rachmaninoff
Dixit Maria
Hans Leo Hassler
Ave Generosa
Hildegard von Bingen
Magnificat
Allessandro Grandi
O Lord, The Maker of All Things
William Mundy
Musica est Dei Donum Optimi
Orlando di Lasso
Verbum Caro Factum Est
Hans Leo Hassler
In dulci jubilo
arr.Robert Pearsall
The Three Kinds
Peter Cornelius
Resonet in Laudibus
Orlando di Lasso
Verbum Caro Factum Est
Heinrich Schutz
The Heavens and the Earth
Traditional Ukrainian
 
Father Neil Bakker
Organ Restoration Project
 

“SING JOYFULLY TO GOD, ALL THE EARTH” Psalm 100

We are beginning to accept funds for much needed repairs on our Pipe Organ. We will not commence repairs until 100% of the funds are raised.

Project Total: $100,000

Installed in 1946, the 16 rank, 2 manual organ has served our parish by helping parishioners raise their voices to the Lord. A pipe organ is designed to mimic the human voice, and thus is the best instrument to help us sing in the Mass. The Wicks organ at Saint John’s has many different expressions to make this a Joy-filled experience, however it has been neglected. It’s been well over 30+ years since any maintenance has been done on the organ aside from tuning, and a large instrument like this needs attention.

Repair Details

Reservoirs - A reservoir within a Pipe Organ is the place where the pressurized air is stored, in wait, for the Action to open the valve, allowing the pipe to play. Within our Pipe Organ there are 4 Reservoirs, all of which have ruptured and been taped back together. These all need to be re-leathered which will last for another 50+ years.

Pipes & Voicing - The original pipework is in terrific condition. There are, however, a great deal of dirt, debris, and bug parts inside. The debris affects the “voicing” and thereby ability to accurately tune. The leather stoppers on the pipes can vibrate loose and cause pitch change. All pipes will be removed from the organ, cleaned, re-leathered, reinstalled and revoiced.

Console - The console, which is the part that the organist plays, will be replaced with a brand new, Ahlborn-Galanti POMI System which would increase our organ’s capabilities dramatically and would eliminate all issues we currently have with the Phosphor Bronze contacts and Copper Strikers being tarnished and worn from use.

The Chests - There are approximately 900 valves that will be replaced with new First-Class Pallet Valves.

Facade and Chamber - Over decades paint on the pipes has faded and chipped, and the cloth has collected dust. The woodwork is in need of cleaning and sealing. The golden pipes will be sanded, dents removed, and repainted. The grill cloth will be replaced. Woodwork will be deep cleaned and resealed.

If you are able and interested in helping support this important restoration, you can give online (select Organ Restoration), or write a check to the parish (put Organ Restoration in the memo line). This is a great way to make a musical contribution, even if you aren’t able to sing well or play an instrument.

MATCHING DONATION: We have a long-time SJB parishioner who is willing to put forth a matching donation up to $40,000! Every dollar you donate will be doubled with this matching donation!!


 
Father Neil Bakker