Rev. Kenneth J. Stachyra

Reverend Kenneth J. Stachyra, 75, died on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in Rockford.

Father was born on August 3, 1950, in Chicago to Chester and Josephine (Sadley) Stachyra. Father attended Niles College of Loyola University, Chicago (1968-1972). Father attended Seminary at Sacred Heart School of Theology, Hales Corners, WI (1997-2001).

Father Stachyra was ordained to the priesthood on May 19, 2001, by the Most Reverend Thomas G. Doran at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Rockford. Father’s first assignments were as Parochial Vicar of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Crystal Lake (2001-2003) and on the faculty of Marian Central Catholic High School, Woodstock (2001-2002). Father served as Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, Crystal Lake (2001-2003). He then was assigned Administrator of St. Flannen Parish, Harmon, St. Mary Parish, Walton and St. Patrick Parish, Marytown (2003-2004). He was appointed Pastor of St. Flannen Parish, Harmon, St. Mary Parish, Walton and St. Patrick Parish, Marytown (2004-2005). In 2005 he was appointed Administrator of St. Bernadette Parish in Rockford (2005-2007) and then Pastor of St. Bernadette Parish, Rockford (2007). Father served as Moderator of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women for the Rockford Deanery (2010). In 2011 Father was appointed Head Chaplain of the Rockford Police and Fire Department. He then was assigned Chaplain for St. Joseph Knights of Columbus (2012). He also served as delegate to the Diocese of Rockford Health Insurance Commission and the Diocese of Rockford Lay Employee Pension Plan Commission (2012). In 2013 Father was appointed Vicar Forane for the Rockford Deanery (2013-2014). He then was assigned to the Diocesan Finance Council (2014- 2019). He also served as Vice-Executive Pastor of All Saints Catholic Academy in Rockford (2018).

Father Stachyra is predeceased by his parents Chester and Josephine (Sadley) Stachyra. Father is survived by his sister Gerilynn (Timothy) Cummings, his niece Susan (Jason) Scurlock, nephews Robert (Brittany) Cummings, Christopher Cummings and Timothy (Mary) Cummings. Cherished great-uncle to Oliver, Eleanor, Audrey Scurlock and Madeline Cummings.

A visitation will take place on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 2:00-6:00 p.m., at St. Bernadette Parish, 2400 Bell Avenue, Rockford. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernadette Parish; with visitation from 9:00-11:00 a.m., prior to the Funeral Mass. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, IL. Arrangements are being completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Rockford