Rev. John Matthew Onderko

1936 - 2025

Rev. John Matthew Onderko

October 17, 1936 - April 28, 2025

Rev. John Matthew Onderko of Rock Island, Illinois passed away Monday, April 28, 2025, at UnityPoint Health-Trinity, Rock Island.

Fr. John was born on October 17, 1936, in Galesburg, to Matthew and Thelma (Ritchie) Onderko. He attended St. Joseph Academy and Corpus Christi High School. Pursuing his ecclesiastical life, he studied at St. Bede Academy Junior College in Peru, Illinois and six years at St. Paul Seminary in Minnesota. He was ordained a priest by Bishop John B. Franz at St. Mary's Cathedral in Peoria on June 3, 1962. His first assignment was at St. Hyacinth Parish in LaSalle. Following, he had pastoral assignments at Sacre Coeur in Creve Coeur, Holy Cross in Medota, Sts. Peter and Paul in Peterstown, Resurrection in LaSalle, and St. Mary's in Moline. In retirement (after 58 years), he assisted in priestly duties at St. Anthony in Davenport, Our Lady of Lourdes in Bettendorf, St. Ambrose in Milan, and St. Patrick's in Andalusia. During major liturgical seasons, his additional help was given for Masses and confessions throughout this area. Never to be forgotten were the Benedictine Sisters who welcomed his presence at Mass and help in their ministries.

Additional outreach ministries include, but are not limited to support and mentorships in BREC (Benedictine Religious Education Center in LaSalle), SPEC (Special Persons Encounter Christ) in LaSalle, TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) weekend retreats for teenagers and weekend retreats for adult men and women, Cursillo.

In 2005, after 58 years of priesthood, he retired from full time services. Due to the shortage of priests, he volunteered at several churches on both sides of the river. He was also involved with the TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) program, directing weekend retreats and Cursillo for adults. He also helped with parish RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) programs. Fr. Onderko could often be found visiting the sick and elderly at local hospitals and nursing homes. He often introduced himself as being extremely proficient in the 3 R's, not "Reading, Riting, and Rithmetic," but in "Retired, Recycled, and Renewed."

Fr. John was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his sister, Connie VanBruwaene of Mercer Island, Washington; nieces and nephews, Mike (Monica) VanBruwaene, Debbie Watt, Susan Chandler, Karen McAvinew, and Kelly Brin; grandnephew, Michael VanBruwaene; grandnieces, Ellie and Katie Watt, Sydney McAvinew, and Natalie Brin; and many friends.

For last respects, friends are invited to Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service to follow at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 2, 2025, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island. The mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed at the following link: https://vimeo.com/1079893969/9fbd0e7d91. The body of Fr. John will be taken to Galesburg where he will be buried in St. Joseph Cemetery alongside his parents at 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Memorials, in the name of Fr. John M. Onderko, can be directed to: St. Bede Academy and School, Peru, IL, Costa Grade School, Galesburg, IL, or St. Paul Seminary, St. Paul, MN.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.wheelanpressly.com.