Help Preserve Kjellgren Family History

Dear family, friends, Rockford neighbors, history-lovers, and strangers –

My 3rd great-grandparents, John and Anna (Petronella) Kjellgren, immigrated to Rockford, Illinois in 1864. They and their three sons – August, Samuel, and Andrew – were the first immigrants to America from this “branch” of the family tree. They were born in Sweden in 1812 and 1810, respectively.

They and their son Andrew’s family lived out the rest of their days in Rockford, Illinois. They have a multitude of descendants living today; some still live in the Rockford area while others have scattered across the United States.

There are many Kjellgren family burials at Scandinavian Cemetery. This includes, notably, John and Anna’s three young-adult grandchildren who tragically died within a three-month span between October 1918 and January 1919 due to their service during WWI.

Only relatively recently has the family become aware of the fact that John and Anna’s graves are unmarked. Most certainly this was not always the case; we suspect that their original markers were made of wood but did not withstand the test of time. Whatever the case, we now wish to honor their memory for future generations. Thank you to my cousin, Kent, and others for encouraging this project to proceed!

I have a quote to purchase and install a 2’x1’x4” Georgia Grey granite gravestone for a total of $1,247 “all in.” Payment is due 50% down and 50% upon delivery; however, I would like to raise 100% of the funds before placing the order.

Can you donate $10, $50, $100, or more toward the worthy cause of marking the graves of John and Anna Kjellgren? Every little bit counts! I am trying to “crowd-source” the funds needed.

If you happen to know me, you are welcome to mail a check so this project receives 100% of your donation (otherwise GoFundMe fees are 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction).

I will provide fundraising updates on this page – including recording “offline” donations. If I receive more than the goal amount it will be stewarded carefully. Possible uses for excess funds include but are not limited to: repairing, maintaining, and preserving other Kjellgren family gravestones and/or making a donation to Scandinavian Cemetery.

Sincerely,

JoAnne Jessee

proud Abramson-Kjellgren descendant