COMPTON — Todd William Ackland, 48, of rural Compton, passed away on August 11, 2024, at the family home and farm of his father, Lloyd Ackland. His final desire was to pass away at the home in which he grew up after fighting brain cancer for almost two years.

Todd was born on January 12, 1976, in Rockford, Illinois, the son of Lloyd and Carolyn (White) Ackland. He grew up on the Ackland family farm south of Rochelle and attended Steward Elementary School and then Rochelle Township High School. He excelled in music and academics, graduating as salutatorian from high school.

From there, he graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with his Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Bible in 1998 and from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, with his Master’s in divinity in 2015. His ministry was in leading people to the heart of God through church worship. He played the piano, guitar, and trumpet, using all of those instruments in his church practice. He also enjoyed international travel, visiting
Costa Rica, England, India, Haiti, France, and other countries in his lifetime.

He served as assistant pastor at two churches in Rochelle, Illinois— Crossroads Community Church and most recently First Presbyterian Church in Rochelle, where he
worked as pastor of worship and student ministry. On the wall of his office at church was the verse, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted in the nations; I will be exalted in all of the earth” (Psalm 46:10).

Previously, he was also involved in music ministry at Christian Neighbors Church and Life on the Vine Church in the Chicago suburbs. He was a missionary to Haitian churches through the Evangelical Free Church of southeast Florida. Trilingual, Todd knew Spanish and French Creole. After returning to live and work in Rochelle in 2020, he was active in parachurch conferences like Tres Dias and the ROCK weekends for youth.

Todd is survived by his father, Lloyd Ackland, of Compton; his sister, Lisa (Jason) Carriere of Indianapolis, Indiana; and his nephew Ian and niece Elena Carriere of Indianapolis, Indiana. He had many extended relatives who loved Todd as well. We are grateful to his friends and church members who showed much support in Todd’s last days.

Both the visitation and the funeral will be at First Presbyterian Church, 1100 Calvin Road, Rochelle, Illinois. The visitation is from 4:00 -7:00 PM on Friday, August 16; the funeral is at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 17, with Pastor Doug Forsberg officiating.

After internment at Lawnridge Cemetery, a luncheon will be provided at First Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial funds can be directed to First Presbyterian Church of Rochelle.

Please visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.